News by email Donate

Suggestions

feeding-5000-church-main_article_image.jpg
Wikimedia
World News

Jewish extremist set fire to church where it's believed Jesus fed the 5,000

by Tola Mbakwe

In 2015, Nazareth District Court accused 22 year old Yinon Reuveni of setting ablaze the The Church of the Multiplication, a church at Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee. He was found guilty on Monday.

The church is known as the place where Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes, also known as the Feeding of the 5,000.

According to the BBC, the fire caused a lot of damage to a shop and other nearby buildings. It's claimed the arsonist also wrote "Idols will be cast out or destroyed" in Hebrew on the walls.

Despite the extensive damage and vandalism, the fire didn't destroy the church's 5th Century mosaic floors, which is a key feature in the church.

The church building underwent an £800,000 eight month renovation following the fire and reopened in February 2017.

According to the BBC, Reuveni said he committed arson because of his hostile feelings toward the Christian faith. Israeli media also reported the man was involved in several other hate crimes and connected with other extremists before setting the church on fire.

A second man was acquitted of the charges against him in the case.

The Times of Israel reported that a third suspect is still awaiting trial.

The prosecutor said the verdict made a strong statement on Jewish terrorism. However, the defence lawyer said he will appeal the judge's decision.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate