A local synagogue, Beit Midrash Morasha, located on Arthurs Road, Sea Point, went up in flames on Tuesday night.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Theo Lane said that the incident happened just before 11pm.

In order to tackle the blaze, 22 fire fighters, four fire engines, one aerial appliance and a rescue vehicle were dispatched to the scene.

Lane said that the cause of the fire is currently undetermined.

Rael Kaimowitz, Chairman of the Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), confirmed that there were no injuries.

“A massive fire has engulfed the Beit Midrash Morasha synagogue … Our heartfelt prayers are with Rabbi Thurgood and the entire congregation. The SAJBD … can confirm on behalf of the synagogue that there are no injuries and investigators report no signs of foul play at this stage and await the outcome of a full investigation,” he said.

Kaimowitz thanks the city’s Fire and Rescue Services for curbing the fire and even rescuing holy books from the flames.

“The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services need to be thanked for their bravery as they battle this blaze. We know that every effort is being made to save any holy books and religious articles,” Kaimowitz  said.

 

Ceejay Ludick/ Synagogue fire
Ceejay Ludick/ Synagogue fire

 

Picture: Ceejay Ludick

Shares:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *