Orthodox Jew Held in Israeli Brothel Fire
Israeli police said Saturday that they had arrested a 34-year-old Orthodox Jewish man in connection with a series of fires in Tel Aviv sex establishments that killed four women.
A police spokeswoman said the man, who was married and had a child, became religiously observant nine years ago. They said he had confessed to carrying out the attacks in an attempt to save Jewish souls.
Two women burned to death and two died of smoke inhalation earlier this month in a blaze at a Tel Aviv apartment house that served as a brothel. The fire was one of seven recent suspected arson attacks that also targeted sex shops and escort agencies.
A police statement said the suspect told authorities that he carried out the attacks to “clean the filth for ideological reasons.”
Police said they had found rags, gasoline and a list of sites for future attacks in the man’s car and house.
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