An iconic statue of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, performing a handstand on a Tel Aviv beach, was severely damaged in an arson attack on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The attack was captured on CCTV footage, which shows an individual approaching the statue at around 5:25 a.m. and setting it on fire. The statue, which is made of bronze, was melted and blackened by the flames.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Israeli officials and the public. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai called the vandalism “despicable” and vowed that the statue would be repaired quickly.
“This is an attack on a symbol of Israel’s founding and our values,” Huldai said in a statement. “David Ben-Gurion was a man of peace and tolerance, and this act of vandalism is the antithesis of everything he stood for.”
The attack has also been met with international condemnation. The United States State Department issued a statement condemning the “senseless act of vandalism” and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The David Ben-Gurion statue is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tel Aviv. It was created by Israeli sculptor Dani Karavan in 2009 and depicts Ben-Gurion doing a handstand on the beach, which was a daily practice of his. The statue is a symbol of Ben-Gurion’s vitality and optimism, and it has become an iconic image of Israel.
David Ben-Gurion
![Iconic David Ben-Gurion Statue Damaged in Arson Attack](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ben-Gurion-headstand-sculpture-convert.io_-1-1024x576.webp)
More Read About: Israeli Ministers Criticize US Arms Transfer to PA
The arson attack on the Ben-Gurion statue is a reminder of the fragility of peace and tolerance in Israel. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting symbols of national unity and identity.
Source: Times Of Israel