JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Jerusalem apartment home to migrant workers from Eritrea was set on fire.
Ten Eritreans were rescued from the burning apartment early Monday morning; four were injured in the blaze.
An initial investigation by the Jerusalem Fire Department found that the fire was the result of arson.
Investigators found on one of the apartment walls spray-painted graffiti that read "Get out of the neighborhood."
The fire reportedly was set near the door of the apartment, making it nearly impossible for the occupants to escape.
More than a month ago, firebombs were thrown at several apartments in Tel Aviv that are home to African migrants.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday condemned violence against African migrants, calling the Jerusalem attack a "heinous crime."
"No person has the right to violate the law and resort to violence against others, certainly not to endanger lives, for any reason whatsoever. Law and ethics prohibit any injury to the other, the guest and the foreigner. Jewish history compels us to take exceptional caution on these matters," the ministry said in a statement.
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