Vandalism of Historic Jewish Gravesite Sparks Outrage

Who vandalized the graves of Joshua Bin Nun and Caleb Ben Jephuneh in Samaria? This morning, staff from the Tomb of Joseph Management and those responsible for holy sites discovered graffiti. Jewish worshippers arrived in the area yesterday and recorded the vandalism. According to investigations, swastikas were spray-painted on the site.

Pilgrims visit the village of Kifl Hares in Samaria several times a year. It is believed that Palestinians were responsible for this grave desecration. Previously, unknown vandals defaced other sacred sites like Joseph's Tomb, and on another occasion, Joshua Bin Nun's grave as well. This seems to be the most severe case yet, with swastikas added to the defacement. Additionally, under both names on the graves, curses were inscribed in Arabic. Visitors were shocked by the troubling images.

"This is desecration of a holy place. I expect widespread condemnations and a thorough investigation, just as would be done if sites sacred to Muslims or Christians were defaced," said Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council. "I expect the government, and the Prime Minister, to denounce this and find a solution ensuring that historically and spiritually significant Jewish sites, preserved for thousands of years in Samaria, are not vandalized now that we have returned to our land. The Palestinian Authority cannot and does not wish to protect Israel's sanctities. The sovereign State of Israel must protect them. If necessary, sovereignty must be reinstated in practice."