Neo-Nazi activities cause panic in Israeli city

Jerusalem, Sep. 7 (ANI): Following the shocking discovery of anti-Semitic messages scrawled on the wall of a synagogue located in the Israeli city of Petah Tikva, a resurgence of neo-Nazi activity is being feared in the region.

On Saturday, worshipers saw words "Long live Hitler the saint" scribbled in Hebrew on the building's walls, alongside a large black cross.

Inside, crosses were drawn on prayer brooks.

The worshipers waited for Shabbat to end before calling the police.

"We are sensitive to this incident because of the history of neo-Nazi activity here, and because a holy place has been desecrated. We are checking to see whether neo-Nazi activity has sprouted up again in this city," The Jerusalem Post quoted a police source, as saying.

"This is not an easy investigation. There are a number of directions. I very much hope that arrests will be made in the coming days. We are determined to put a stop to this," he added.

Last year, eight members of a neo-Nazi gang in Petah Tikva, comprising Russian immigrant youths, were arrested for assaults on drug addicts, foreign workers, and Orthodox Jews.

The gang's leader was sentenced for seven years behind bars. (ANI)