JERUSALEM, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Israeli authorities have warned against the destruction of any Muslim mosque in retaliation for the desecration of synagogues in Gaza.
They are concerned about reprisals after the torching and looting of Gush Katif synagogues in Gaza by Palestinian mobs, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar said he would consider putting a Cherem or a ban on any Jew that damages mosques in retaliation.
"What right do Jews have to hurt the places of worship of other faiths?" he asked. A Cherem would prevent a Jew from joining others in prayer or in meals and other Jews cannot come closer than about six feet from the ostracized.
Rabbi Amar said despite the destruction of the Gaza synagogues, the ruins remain sanctified from the holiness of the prayers of Jews. He said he may ask Pope Benedict XVI to use his influence to protect the holiness of the ruined synagogues during a visit slated for next week. Police have beefed up security around mosques throughout Israel.
Some Jewish activists have called on the government to demolish the mosques on the Temple Mount.
