Amid hatred of religion: suspect in vandalism of church of former SLA members in Nahariya arrested

A 21-year-old resident of Nahariya, Nahman Yedidya Keren, was arrested on suspicion of vandalizing the church of former SLA members in the city. He confessed to the act and said he hates Christianity. The court extended his remand by three days, and the judge ruled that the background of religious hatred increases the danger.

A significant development in the investigation of the vandalism of the church of former SLA members in Nahariya: police arrested the city resident Nahman Yedidya Keren, 21, who according to investigators confessed to the act and said he hates Christianity. He is suspected of breaking into the church, insulting religion, harming religious feelings, and intentional property damage. The Magistrate's Court in the Krayot extended his remand by three days, and Judge Orit Kantor ruled that there is reasonable basis for a high-level suspicion, and that the background of religious hatred increases the danger. The incident shocked the community of former SLA members: worshipers discovered broken statues and defaced images. A note in English asking for forgiveness was left on the altar. The Maronite Eparchy in Haifa strongly condemned the act and demanded that authorities investigate and protect the site. The church operates in a municipal property and serves the Lebanese Maronite community of about 1,100 people.