Christian holy site in Jerusalem vandalised

A landmark Christian holy site in Jerusalem was vandalised with Hebrew graffiti in what appears to be the latest attack by “extremist” Jews.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said anti-Christian slogans were found on Sunday on the outer walls of the Dormition Abbey, a Benedictine monastery just outside Jerusalem’s Old City where Christian tradition says the Virgin Mary died.

The graffiti included threats of violence, messages degrading Jesus, and a call for Christians to “go to hell”.

Police were investigating but suspicion immediately fell on Jewish “extremists” who have for years vandalised Palestinian property, as well as mosques, churches, the offices of dovish Israeli groups – and even Israeli military bases. The so-called “price tag” attacks seek to exact a cost for Israeli steps seen as favouring the Palestinians.

That attacks have prompted widespread condemnation and pledges by Israel’s government to get tougher on Jewish vigilantes.

Israel’s Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan said he has instructed police to give the vandalism case top priority.

“We will not allow anyone to undermine the coexistence between religions in Israel. We will show zero tolerance to whoever harms the democratic foundations of Israel and its freedom of religion, and we will apprehend those who carried out this heinous act,” he said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the vandalism.

The Benedictine abbey is a popular site for pilgrims and tourists. It has been damaged several times in recent years.