The suspects dug holes to find the coins, damaging the site. However, the synagogue was unharmed.
By YVETTE J. DEANEUpdated: DECEMBER 27, 2018 15:59Theft of coins at Hukuk Synagogue.(photo credit: Israel Antiquities Authority)
Israel Antiquities Authority, JNF and Border Police stopped a band of thieves from stealing ancient coins from the Hukuk Synagogue archeological site in northern Israel on Thursday."A quick response prevented damage to the magnificent and important treasures of the site," Nir Distelfeld, the antiquities theft inspector, said. "Damage to an antiquities site constitutes a serious offense punishable by five years' imprisonment. "The suspects dug holes to find the coins, damaging the site. However, the synagogue was unharmed.The Hukuk antiquities site is located near the Sea of Galilee. Jewish sages were said to have worked there during the Mishnaic and Talmudic periods.
