A synagogue in Geneva was seriously damaged by an early morning fire today that police believe was deliberately set, based on the initial evidence. Windows were blown out and the entrance blackened by smoke in the blaze at the Hekhal Haness synagogue, where the alarm sounded at 5.18 a.m. The fire department, responding with 16 vehicles and 43 fire fighters, took an hour to douse the flames. A dozen police officers were also on site, investigating what appears to have been an act of arson.
Investigators were initially unable to get inside the building because of the heavy smoke. Staff from Geneva’s department for the assistance and protection of the population secured the site to prevent the pillaging of objects of value from the place of worship. No-one from the community was injured in the fire, although six fire fighters needed to be treated for exposure to intense heat.
The fire occurred the day after Shavuot, a Jewish holiday when orthodox members of the religion are not permitted to work. The synagogue’s rabbi was shocked by the event, according to police. Located at 54, route de Malagnou, southeast of the city center, the Sephardi synagogue was built in the 1970s to an unconventional design. The building was built below ground level so that those living and working in surrounding buildings overlook a garden. In its basement there is a youth and sports club and a room for bridge, while conferences and receptions are also held there. It appears these activities will not be able to resume for some time. The synagogue is one of just two in the city.
Source: www.tdg.ch
Date: May 24, 2007
Posted: May 24, 2007
Photo: Pascal Frautschi
