Man suspected of setting fire to several sukkahs in Ashdod

Suspect, 30, is arrested after allegedly damaging a number of holiday huts in port city; motive unclear

By ToI Staff 28 September 2023, 2:34 pm Edit

A burnt sukkah in Ashdod, September 28, 2023 (Israel Police)

A damaged Sukkah after the arson incident| Photo: Israel Police

Police in Ashdod detained a man on Thursday suspected of setting fire to a number of sukkahs overnight in the southern port city.

The suspect, aged 30, was seen setting fire to multiple sukkahs by locals who reported the incident to police.

He was later identified and arrested while attempting to steal beer bottles from a neighborhood store.

After the arrest, police scanned the area and discovered several burnt sukkahs.

He was being questioned by police, and the motives and circumstances of his suspected actions were not immediately known.

Police praised the “swift response” that led to the arrest and said forces were in high readiness in the area in order to ensure “personal security and responsiveness… during the High Holidays.”