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Beit Shemesh fire officials report the blaze in Yeshivat Ohr Moshe on erev Shabbos 25 Teves before 6:00am was the result of arson. YWN-ISRAEL confirmed this during a telephone interview with the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Chanan Fruchter on Tuesday morning 29 Teves.

The rabbi explained that the attack appears to have been carried out by local youths and there does not seem to be anything against the school in particular, but just a bunch of troubled youths looking for action.

Five fire trucks responded to the blaze. It appears a lit object, possibly a firebomb, was hurled into the teacher’s room as well as trying to set fire to a school advisor’s office next door. Damage to these rooms was extensive. They also tried setting the principal’s office on fire. Rabbi Fruchter explained during the phone interview that damage is currently assessed to be about 200,000 NIS.

Police forensic experts arrived on the scene to gather evidence and the investigation into the attack continues. B’chasdei Hashem there were no fatalities or injuries.

Rabbi Fruchter describes the school as unique, explaining it is the only yeshiva high school for English-speaking Special Ed olim in Israel. When asked if he believes the fire might be a message that the school is unwanted in the community, he replied with certainty that this is not the case and the fire was simply a despicable act by vandals, most likely neighborhood youths.

Beit Shemesh fire department official Yoram Hadad says with confidence the fire was the result of arson. Beit Shemesh Fire Chief Reuven Yitzchak adds the response was quick Baruch Hashem, and this prevented bringing the early-morning blaze under control before it spread to nearby structures.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Rabbi Fruchter)