More on that attack in Caracas...

A violent, savage attack...

International Jewish groups expressed concern after an attack on a Caracas synagogue and blamed Hugo Chavez for creating an atmosphere of hate in Venezuela.

Up to 15 people attacked the Tiferet Israel Sephardic synagogue late Friday night, throwing Torah scrolls on the floor and damaging some, according to reports. They also painted epithets such as "death to the Jews" on the synagogue's walls.

The synagogue's guard had been held at gunpoint and was found on the floor of the building by members on Saturday morning, the Jerusalem Post reported.

It is not the first such attack on Jewish institutions in the country, which broke off diplomatic relations with Israel over the Gaza military operation, according to The New York Times. In response, Israel expelled the Venezuelan envoy and his embassy staff last week.

The same synagogue was vandalized early last month. The Israeli embassy was also vandalized. A Jewish community center was raided in 2007 in a search for illegal weapons. None were found.