Middle East: Samaritans held to ransom in battle for survival

From: The Independent (London, England) | Date: October 23, 1997| Author: | Copyright information

Two years ago, ancient scrolls of the Samaritans - the tiny community which claims descent from the ancient Kingdom of Israel - were stolen. The thieves want $1m for their return. Patrick Cockburn in Jerusalem says the theft has exacerbated the sense of vulnerability of the 2,500-year- old sect.

It is two years since three thieves broke down the door of the Samaritans' synagogue in Nablus in the West Bank, crossed the carpeted prayer hall and pushed aside a purple curtain concealing the altar, the Holy of Holies. From inside an ornamental wooden cabinet they stole a 700-year-old scroll of ...

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