Iranian Missiles Hit Historic Haifa Mosque and Children’s Center in Beersheba

Attacks damage Al Zarina Grand Mosque and Kolel Chabad daycare; Israel condemns Iran’s targeting of civilians of all faiths

HAIFA / BEERSHEBA — An Iranian missile strike on Friday caused significant damage to the historic Al Zarina Grand Mosque in Haifa, along with nearby buildings, sparking outrage and deep concern across Israel. According to The Local Newspaper, the 18th-century mosque, a landmark of spiritual and architectural heritage, sustained shattered stained-glass windows and infrastructural damage.

Built in 1775 and expanded in 1901, the Al Zarina Grand Mosque typically welcomes over 200 worshippers every Friday. However, due to the Israeli Home Front Command’s ban on large gatherings amid ongoing hostilities, only 15 people were present during Friday prayers. Waqf representative Khaled Daghash confirmed that the missile hit after the prayer service had concluded, and the mosque was empty at the time.

While no one inside the mosque was injured, a person outside the compound suffered minor injuries. Their identity remains unknown. Daghash noted that the mosque was undergoing renovations and expressed concern that government compensation may not cover the full restoration costs. “We fear the state may not fully support the repairs,” he stated, “and this is a house of worship for many.”

In addition to Al Zarina, nearby Masjid Al-Saghir—another historic mosque built in 1761—also suffered damage. Its windows were blown out by the blast. However, security personnel reported no further visible structural damage from the perimeter.

President Isaac Herzog condemned the missile attacks in a strongly worded statement. “Iran is trying to kill Israelis of all faiths – including Muslims,” he said. “This outrageous attack took place in Haifa, a city that symbolizes coexistence between Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Circassians, and Baha’is. Israel will defend all its citizens, regardless of religion.”

In a separate attack on the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that an Iranian ballistic missile targeted a children’s daycare center in the southern city of Beersheba. The missile struck the Kolel Chabad daycare center, but fortunately, no injuries were reported as the attack occurred outside of regular operating hours.

“This is footage from when an Iranian ballistic missile struck a children’s center in southern Israel,” the IDF said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “When the world asks why we are fighting Iran, this is your answer.”

The daycare, operated by the historic Jewish charity Kolel Chabad, serves dozens of families. The organization issued a statement emphasizing the emotional toll of the attack: “Though no children or staff were physically harmed, the destruction of classrooms and playgrounds has deeply affected families who rely on the center for stability and security.”

Footage from Beersheba suggests that Iran used cluster munitions in its latest strike. Multiple impact points consistent with small submunitions were observed throughout the city, indicating the use of a ballistic missile carrying a cluster bomb warhead.

As tensions escalate, Israel’s Home Front Command issued updated safety guidelines. While no major changes were announced, current limits on public gatherings remain in place. In most areas of the country, outdoor gatherings are restricted to 30 people, while border regions are allowed up to 50 outdoors and 100 indoors. Workplaces may continue operations under safety protocols, but all schools across the country will remain closed through Saturday.

An updated assessment of safety conditions is expected Saturday night, the Home Front Command said.

Earlier in the day, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir addressed the nation in a video message. He warned that Israelis must prepare for a “long-lasting campaign” against Iran. “Iran has been pursuing a clear plan for years to destroy the State of Israel,” Zamir said. “In recent months, that plan has reached a point of no return, with Iran’s capabilities now fully operational.”

He emphasized that Israel will act decisively to eliminate the threat and protect its people from any further aggression.

The attacks on both sacred sites and civilian facilities have amplified public anger and global concern, with leaders calling for restraint and international mediation to prevent further escalation. As Israel braces for the days ahead, many fear this could mark the beginning of a much deeper confrontation in the region.