Statement: Agudath Israel of America is deeply concerned by reports that the site in Iran traditionally thought to be the tomb of Mordechai and Esther was set aflame last week.

Although the Iranian government asserts that it was the action of a rogue arsonist, last February, the Basij militia, part of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards – itself part of Iran’s military structure – threatened to raze the shrine.

Iran has a responsibility to find the perpetrator of this heinous act and bring him to justice, and to protect both its Jewish citizens and Jewish sites.