New act of vandalism targets Armenian cemetery in JerusalemJanuary 18, 2016 - 17:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli police discovered Hebrew graffiti Sunday, January 17 on the walls of a famous Jerusalem church, as well as on walls of Greek Orthodox and Armenian cemeteries, in what appears to be the latest vandalism attack by extremist Jews, the Associated Press reports. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said anti-Christian slogans were found on the outer walls of the Dormition Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located just outside Jerusalem's Old City and where Christian tradition says the Virgin Mary died. The graffiti included threats of violence, messages degrading Jesus and a call for Christians to "go to hell." Nikodemus Schnabel, the Dormition Abbey spokesman, said the graffiti bore "very radical messages." Police are investigating but suspicion immediately fell on Jewish extremists who have for years vandalized Palestinian property, as well as mosques, churches, the offices of dovish Israeli groups and even Israeli military bases. The so-called "price tag" attacks seek to exact a cost for Israeli steps seen as favoring the Palestinians. That attacks have prompted widespread condemnation and pledges by Israel's government to get tougher on Jewish vigilantes. Israel's Minister of Public Security, Gilad Erdan, said he has instructed police to give the vandalism case top priority. "We will not allow anyone to undermine the coexistence between religions in Israel. We will show zero tolerance to whomever harms the democratic foundations of Israel and its freedom of religion and we will apprehend those who carried out this heinous act," he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the vandalism. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |