Uzi Aharon, the mayor of Or-Yehuda, told the Israeli media he tried to stop the distribution of Christian literature in his city by collecting New Testaments and other "Messianic propaganda." He said students then torched about 200 of the volumes but noted he save another 200, CNN reported.

Messianic Jews, who holds both Christian and Jewish beliefs, expressed concern over the event and attorney Calev Myers said he will file a formal complaint with the national police. Myers says the torching violates a law forbidding the destruction of sacred items and another banning people from offending religions.

"I hope the people who are responsible for breaking the law will be indicted and prosecuted," he said.