Extremist Jews attack Sea of Galilee loaves and fishes church

The Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes on the shores of the Sea of Galilee has been attacked by extremist Jews, who wrote racist graffiti on the walls and set it ablaze. The historic church, in Tabgha, was seriously damaged by the fire. Graffiti included “Death to non-Jews” in Hebrew and other racist phrases.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire and put it out. It was then discovered that Torah verses referring to “pagans” were written on the church entrance.

The fire started around 3:50 am in a building belonging to the church and it filled the main prayer chamber with smoke. Five firefighting crews worked to put out the fire which caused a lot of damage. The police have opened an investigations into the incident.

The “loaves and fishes church”, as it is commonly known, was also attacked in April last year when unknown individuals damaged one of the crosses erected in the church courtyard as well as a number of the pews inside.

The church stands on the site where it is believed that Jesus of Nazareth performed the miracle, by God’s leave, of multiplying a small number of loaves of bread and fishes to feed a large crowd.

Images from Arabs48