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Mike Pence denounces alleged arson of Israeli flag in Indiana hometown

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Former US Vice President Mike Pence condemned an alleged arson attack on an Israeli flag outside a barn in his Indiana hometown.
  • The fire caused an estimated $150,000 in damages to a historic home, and officials are investigating if the act was bias-motivated.
  • Pence called the incident

Former Vice President Mike Pence has spoken out against antisemitism following an alleged arson attack on an Israeli flag displayed on a barn in Zionsville, Indiana, his hometown.

The fire, which broke out early Friday morning, caused an estimated $150,000 in damages to a historic home. Zionsville Mayor John Stehr stated that officials believe an individual set fire to the Israeli flag, which was displayed alongside an American flag outside the building.

Absolutely despicable. There can be no tolerance in America for Antisemitism or political acts of violence, and it is heartbreaking to see in our adopted hometown of Zionsville, Indiana. We thank God no one was hurt and urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

โ€” Mike PencePence's tweet condemning the alleged arson attack.

The FBI has joined the investigation, with officials examining whether the arson "may have been motivated by bias," though no determination has been made. Pence tweeted on Sunday, "Absolutely despicable. There can be no tolerance in America for Antisemitism or political acts of violence, and it is heartbreaking to see in our adopted hometown of Zionsville, Indiana."

Antisemitism will not be tolerated. Not in Zionsville. Not in Indiana. Not anywhere. Thank you to the federal, state, and local officials working to bring the perpetrators of this despicable arson attack to justice.

โ€” Jim BanksRepublican Indiana Sen. Jim Banks' condemnation of the alleged arson.

Pence, a longtime supporter of Israel, has consistently spoken out against antisemitism. Republican Indiana Sen. Jim Banks also condemned the alleged arson, stating, "Antisemitism will not be tolerated. Not in Zionsville. Not in Indiana. Not anywhere."

On Sunday, the local Jewish community held a rally to condemn the incident. Rally organizer David Schiller told Fox 59, "The founding fathers founded a country where we have the ability to resolve differences among each other; we donโ€™t do it by firebombing homes. Itโ€™s inexcusable and una."

The founding fathers founded a country where we have the ability to resolve differences among each other; we donโ€™t do it by firebombing homes. Itโ€™s inexcusable and una.

โ€” David SchillerRally organizer David Schiller's statement to Fox 59.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.