On the night of Shvii shel Pesach, just days after thousands of Israelis and Jews gathered there for what is believed to be the world’s largest Pesach Seder, a Norwegian man vandalized the Chabad House in Kathmandu in what is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

By Anash.org reporter

On the night of Shvii shel Pesach, just days after thousands of Israelis and Jews gathered there for what is believed to be the world’s largest Pesach Seder, a Norwegian man vandalized the Chabad House in Kathmandu in what is being investigated as a possible hate crime. While no injuries were reported, the building sustained significant damage.

According to initial reports, the man, approximately 30 years old, climbed across nearby rooftops before breaking into the Chabad center in the heart of Nepal’s capital. Once inside, he ransacked the premises, smashing tables, chairs, and glass fixtures while shouting. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

Just days earlier, some 2,500 Jews, mostly from Israel, participated in what has been dubbed as “the world’s largest Seder” hosted by the Chabad House, a tradition that has grown over two decades since Rabbi Chezki Lifshitz and his wife arrived in Nepal as the Rebbe’s Shluchim.

“The perpetrator is in custody, and we’re still learning more about the details of the case,” said Rabbi Lifshitz, who confirmed that, thankfully, no one was harmed.

In response to the attack, security has been increased around the Chabad House and the homes of the shluchim. Local police responded swiftly and arrested the suspect, who remains under investigation. The Israeli Embassy in Nepal is closely monitoring the situation.

Antisemitic incidents are rare in Nepal, a popular destination for young Israeli travelers. Israel’s National Security Council currently places Nepal in its lowest risk category for Israeli citizens.

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