Employees who arrived at the Hamat Tiberias National Park Tuesday morning were shocked to find that ancient artifacts had been damaged overnight. Unknown vandals have caused extensive damage to the park.

Among other things, the vandals smashed and spray painted over mosaic inscriptions in the ancient synagogue at the site.

Shaul Goldstein, who heads the Nature and Parks Authority, said Tuesday morning: “We view the event very gravely and will work to bring the perpetrators to justice. These are centuries-old assets of culture and heritage.”

Goldstein assessed the damage at millions of shekels and said that “right after we carry out an accurate assessment, we will begin the long task of renovation.”