No damage inflicted to Church of the Multiplication, two people suffer smoke inhalation; fire crews investigating incident

The aftermath of a suspected arson attack at the Church of the Multiplication on the Sea of Galilee on Thursday, June 18, 2015 (Fire and Rescue Services)
The aftermath of a suspected arson attack at the Church of the Multiplication on the Sea of Galilee on Thursday, June 18, 2015 (Fire and Rescue Services)

 

A fire broke out at the Church of the Multiplication at Tabgha, on the Sea of Galilee, on Thursday. Authorities were investigating possible arson.

Firefighting crews successfully contained the blaze and determine how it was started, Ynet reported.

No significant damage was inflicted to the church itself, only to offices, storerooms and visitors’ rooms.

Two people suffered minor smoke inhalation.

Near the church, which is traditionally believed by Christians to be the site of the Jesus’s miracle of multiplying fish and loaves, Hebrew graffiti was found which read “pagans.”

The church, which is run by the Catholic Benedictine Order, is best known for its fifth century mosaics, including one depicting two fish flanking a basket of loaves.

 

The aftermath of a suspected arson attack at the Church of the Multiplication on the Sea of Galilee on Thursday, June 18, 2015 (Fire and Rescue Services)
The aftermath of a suspected arson attack at the Church of the Multiplication on the Sea of Galilee on Thursday, June 18, 2015 (Fire and Rescue Services)

 

As reported by The Times of Israel