Jewish man, 54, sets himself on fire at King David’s tomb

Police suspect man who attempted to self-immolate at Jerusalem holy site, sustaining serious burns, suffers from mental illness

The site identified as King David's tomb since the Middle Ages. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
The site identified as King David's tomb since the Middle Ages. (Shmuel Bar-Am)

A 54-year-old Jewish man visiting David’s Tomb on Wednesday set himself on fire at the holy site near Jerusalem’s Old City.

Police said in a statement that the man doused himself with flammable liquid before setting himself on fire.

Bystanders at the scene rushed to extinguish the blaze.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said the man was in moderate to serious condition.

There was no immediate word on his motives, but police said they suspect he suffers from mental illness.

Earlier this year, a mentally ill Israeli woman stripped naked at Western Wall, causing a commotion at the holy site.

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