Police probe defacement of Muslim prayer room at Jerusalem College

‘Hadassah Academic College is an apolitical academic institution that encourages coexistence,’ says college in statement

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Updated: JANUARY 14, 2016 03:32
The Muslim prayer room defaced at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Academic College. (photo credit: FACEBOOK)
The Muslim prayer room defaced at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Academic College.
(photo credit: FACEBOOK)
Police are investigating the vandalization of a Muslim prayer room in the capital’s Hadassah Academic College, in an apparent nationalistically motivated hate crime on Tuesday night.
According to police, numerous posters inside the room, which is reserved for Arab students, were torn off the walls, although no holy scriptures, including a Koran, were damaged.
“This was the first such incident to have taken place in the building and police have opened an investigation to find out who was behind it,” said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
Hours after students reported the vandalism, the college issued a statement condemning the “unusual incident,” and vowed to continue to promote coexistence between Arab and Jewish students.
“Hadassah Academic College rejects all violence and is dealing with the incident without bias, according to the law,” the statement said.
“We have gone to the police about it and we will do everything required at any time in opposite cases as well. Hadassah Academic College is an apolitical academic institution that encourages higher education for everyone, coexistence, dialogue and cooperation as it was in the past and will be in the future.”
Located in downtown Jerusalem, Hadassah Academic College was accredited as a degree-granting institution in 1996 for a cross-section of Jewish and Arab students.
“Hadassah Academic College brings together students from all walks of life and from every sector of Israeli society.” The college’s website states. “The college is committed to community outreach, diversity, and to creating a better future for all.”
In 2012, the college, which works with researchers from the United States, Spain, Greece and the Palestinian Authority, launched a new undergraduate degree-track program for ultra-Orthodox men and women seeking professional degrees.