In the early hours of this past Friday morning, thieves broke into Beis HaMedrash Torah Etz Chaim in Manchester, UK — known as “the 69” — and made off with two Sifrei Torah in a brazen theft that has sent shockwaves through the Manchester–Salford kehilla.

The theft occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. at the shul, situated in the heart of the Bury New Road corridor. The perpetrators forcibly removed an Aron HaKodesh containing the two sifrei torah from the premises. Investigations into the full circumstances of the break-in are ongoing.

Both stolen Sifrei Torah had maroon mantles, and one bore a Magen David. A photograph of one of the two has been obtained and is being circulated to assist identification efforts.

Community leaders are urging vigilance well beyond the local area, with serious concern that the thieves may attempt to move the Sifrei Torah out of Manchester — or even out of the country — and sell them to an unsuspecting Jewish community or sofer. Anyone who has recently been offered Sifrei Torah of unclear or unverified origin, whether locally, nationally, or internationally, is being asked to treat the transaction with suspicion and come forward immediately.

Stolen Sifrei Torah have in the past surfaced thousands of miles from where they were taken, quietly absorbed by shuls or private collections with no knowledge of their history. Community leaders fear the same fate may befall these.

If you have been approached with, offered, or have any knowledge of Sifrei Torah of uncertain provenance — particularly those matching the above description — please contact YWN immediately.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)