Arson suspected in fire at Israel-run refugee school in Greece
A school for refugees started by Jewish and Arab Israelis was burned down over the weekend in what administrators say is a suspected case of arson.
The International School of Peace for Refugee Children on the Greek island of Lesbos was destroyed in the fire on Saturday night. In a statement, the school said the blaze was a suspected case of arson, The Times of Israel reported.
“Even though we are heartbroken and shocked, we’re already looking ahead,” the school wrote Tuesday on Facebook. “We are moving forward, not going anywhere.”
Founded in 2017, the school is a collaboration between alumni of the Hashomer Hatazir and Ajyal youth movements. More than 3,000 refugees have come through its doors since it opened, according to the school’s website.
The blaze comes at a moment of rising tension on Lesbos, the first European point of entry for many refugees fleeing unrest. Clashes on Saturday between migrants and local police left two migrants dead, The Times of Israel reported.
Read More: Jerusalem Post