New York, NY, October 16, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed shock at the horrific firebombing and desecration of Joseph's Tomb by Palestinian rioters.
According to reports, on October 16 near Nablus, around 100 Palestinians broke into the holy site and hurled Molotov cocktails, causing major fire damage to the women's section of the site. Joseph's Tomb, which is believed to be the burial site of Biblical figure Joseph, has been a frequent site of Palestinian violence in recent years, including a number of arson attempts.
We are appalled by the horrific arson attack on Joseph's Tomb. The fact that the Jewish holy site is a frequent target of Palestinian violence and arson is greatly troubling and these terrible events are an unfortunate reminder of the anti-Jewish sentiment of those behind the attack.
Like other recent violence against Israelis and Jews, the torching of Joseph's Tomb comes in the backdrop of nonstop Palestinian incitement, including that of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas. While we note the efforts of PA security forces to disperse the rioters and put out the fire, as well as President Abbas' condemnation of the attack, more needs to be done on the part of Palestinian leadership to bring an end to anti-Israel and anti-Jewish incitement and contain the violence.
We ask all responsible leaders to step up and condemn the conspiracies and lies circulating on social media and in the street. We also call on Muslim and other religious leaders to condemn the attack and urge Palestinians to demonstrate respect towards Jewish holy sites.