Footage of the thieves of 12 Torah scrolls in Paris, still at large: 'Spiritual trauma for French Jews'

Paris police released security camera footage of the burglars who stole at least 12 Torah scrolls from the Great Synagogue of Levallois-Perret. The theft occurred overnight between Sunday and Monday, and Rabbi Shalom Lelouch discovered it in the morning. The mayor called it an anti-Semitic attack, and the investigation continues.

Paris police released security camera footage this morning (Tuesday) showing the burglars who stole Torah scrolls from a synagogue in one of the city's suburbs loading them into their vehicle and fleeing. One wore a mask, the other had his face uncovered. At least 12 Torah scrolls were stolen from the Great Synagogue of Levallois-Perret, a suburb of Paris. According to reports, the break-in was likely well-planned, occurring overnight between Sunday and Monday. Philippe Cohen, president of the Jewish cultural and religious association of Levallois, said 'the entire community is shattered' by the act. Mayor Agnès Pottier-Dumas called it an 'anti-Semitic attack'. The theft was discovered by Rabbi Shalom Lelouch, who arrived at the synagogue early in the morning to prepare it for a Bar Mitzvah celebration. The synagogue's rabbi said: 'This is a very serious act. Clearly it is a criminal offense, but it is also an anti-Semitic offense targeting the Torah. It was a team of professionals who bypassed the security systems and managed to penetrate the building.' The rabbi clarified that no property damage was caused aside from the theft of the Torah scrolls. Local officials met with Jewish community leaders and expressed support.

Footage of the thieves of 12 Torah scrolls in Paris, still at large: 'Spiritual trauma for French Jews'