The Franciscans called the Israeli Police Department. Whoever answered the phone, asked if they spoke Hebrew. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that thieves have broken into the Basilica. Nor is it the only time when, seemingly, that there were no witnesses near, nor any of the guilty found. It saddens the Franciscans, who care for many of the Holy Places of the Lord in the name of all Christendom, that such things continue happen to the Christian Holy Sites.
Theories abound and questions remain.
Custody of the Holy Land Fr. News items can be reproduced and sources quoted.