In Israel, criminals started a fire in the garden of the Russian Spiritual Mission, where the Mamvri Oak grows

On August 15, 2025, unidentified perpetrators started a fire in the garden of the Russian Spiritual Mission in Hebron, where the world-famous Mamvri Oak is located, a tree under which, according to the Bible, the patriarch Abraham received God. The fire almost reached the ancient oak tree, but thanks to the timely reaction of the courtyard residents, it was possible to stop it with the available means and call the fire brigade, which quickly arrived at the scene. This was reported by the press service of the Russian Spiritual Mission.

According to the results of an investigation conducted by police officers, it was established that the cause of the fire was arson. The perpetrators threw hot coals wrapped in foil over the fence, which caused the trees to catch fire. The situation was exacerbated by the intense heat that lasted for several days. According to Hieromonk Ambrose (Ignatov), the key keeper of the courtyard of the Holy Forefathers in Hebron, at the moment, the courtyard and the shrines located on it are not in danger. The Russian spiritual mission in Jerusalem and the representative office of the Russian Federation in the Palestinian National Authority are in contact with the local authorities in Hebron to investigate the incident.

Earlier, we reported that Israeli government agencies supported the ban on religious services on Mount Tabor during the celebration of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. According to law enforcement agencies that initiated this restriction, the organizers did not provide security guarantees for the solemn events.