Ancient Jerusalem Tombs Damaged In Suspected Arson Attack

The southern aerial view of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, near where two ancient tombs dating from the Second Temple period have been damaged by a suspected arson attack. (Wikipedia)

Two ancient tombs were severely damaged by fires outside Jerusalem's Old City in suspected arson attacks on Friday.

Investigators in Israel do not know who set fire to Absalom's Tomb in the Kidron Valley, opposite the Temple Mount, and the adjacent Tomb of Jehoshephat.

The tombs, which date to the Second Temple period, are among a cluster of ancient graves at the base of the Mount of Olives.

Absalom's Tomb is traditionally identified as a monument to the biblical figure of the same name, though archaeologists have dated the edifice to the 1st century BC.

According to the Times of Israel, the fires broke out around 4:15 pm on Friday and caused extensive damage to the 2,000-year-old structures.

Assaf Avraham, the Israel Park's Authority administrator in charge of the national park surrounding the Old City's walls, said in a statement that the blazes "caused damage to values of [historic] heritage and archaeological gems of great value."

He added: "We will act to the extent of our abilities with law enforcement, including the police, to find those responsible and bring them to justice."

A police spokesman declined to comment on the case.

The Times of Israel reported that three other suspected arson attacks targeting municipal sewage trucks also took place in East Jerusalem on Friday night, but that there was no indication there was any correlation between the fires and the suspected attack on the ancient tombs.

News
Between two cultures: an Afghan Christian in the Netherlands
Between two cultures: an Afghan Christian in the Netherlands

Esther*, who was born in Afghanistan and raised in the Netherlands after her family fled the country when she was three, speaks to Christian Today about her journey of faith, life between two cultures, and her hopes and fears for Afghanistan’s future.

The groundbreaking BBC series that brought Jesus to TV screens
The groundbreaking BBC series that brought Jesus to TV screens

Seventy years ago, in February 1956, the BBC aired the mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth”, which was the first filming of the life of Jesus to be created for television. This is the story …

Christians mobilised to oppose extreme abortion law changes
Christians mobilised to oppose extreme abortion law changes

Christians are being asked to urge peers to support amendments tabled by Baronesses Monckton and Stroud.

Thousands of Christians return to churches in north-east Nigeria despite years of terror
Thousands of Christians return to churches in north-east Nigeria despite years of terror

The faithful are returning “in their thousands, not hundreds” despite more than a decade of brutal violence.