Jewish organizations condemned arson attack on Moscow’s biggest Yeshiva, Torat Chaim.
The Yeshiva was set alight and swastikas painted on its front as guests were gathering inside to take part in the Passover Seder.
A spokeswoman for Moscow’s Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, told that the fire was set in a storage area for kosher meat and that swastikas were drawn at the yeshiva’s entrance.
“Over the next two days, we will not be able to investigate because Passover begins at this moment,” the spokeswoman said. “The situation is completely entrusted to law enforcement agencies, which we hope will be able to find the perpetrators.”
There were about 60 students, rabbis and guests in the building at the time, local Russian media reported.
World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer expressed “anger and horror at the arson attack on the Torat Chaim Yeshiva in a Moscow suburb, which was accompanied by swastika-laden graffiti.”
“The entire international Jewish community is horrified by this vicious attack by what appears to be neo-Nazi elements,” said Singer. “We are deeply grateful that no one was injured in this cowardly incident and hope that the Russian authorities will do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice. I wish the teachers and students at the Torat Chaim Yeshiva, and all Jews around the world, a beautiful and peaceful Passover free of further violence.”
