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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Jerusalem Reform synagogue vandalized, Pride flags torn down in latest attack

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Vandals broke into Jerusalem's Kol HaNeshamah synagogue over the weekend, damaging property and tearing down Pride flags.
  • Security footage shows at least three individuals involved, and police have opened an investigation.
  • The Reform congregation has been targeted previously for its support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Jerusalem's Kol HaNeshamah synagogue, a prominent Reform congregation, was vandalized over the weekend by individuals who broke into the building, damaged property, and tore down Pride flags. The incident occurred shortly after midnight when a group of youths entered the synagogue's grounds in the Baka neighborhood, smashed a window, and entered the prayer hall.

This past weekend we experienced a serious incident at our synagogue, when unknown individuals broke into the compound, damaged the building, vandalized a work of art and tore down the Pride flags that represent the community’s values of inclusion and acceptance.

— Debi Shoua HaimDescribing the vandalism at Kol HaNeshamah synagogue.

Security footage released by the Reform movement indicates at least three people were involved. Rabbi Debi Shoua Haim of Kol HaNeshamah expressed pain over the "displays of hatred and violence," particularly during the Hebrew month of Elul, traditionally a period of repentance. The congregation has handed over the security footage to the police, who have initiated an investigation and collected fingerprints.

Precisely during the month of mercy and forgiveness, it is painful to see displays of hatred and violence that have no place in a properly functioning society.

— Debi Shoua HaimExpressing dismay over the vandalism during the Hebrew month of Elul.

This is not the first time Kol HaNeshamah has been targeted due to its support for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, a rock was thrown into its courtyard during a Simchat Torah celebration. More recently, in June 2023, the synagogue experienced two break-ins within weeks where Pride flags were torn down, and intruders entered the sanctuary, though nothing was stolen.

incited hooligans

— Gilad KarivDescribing the perpetrators of the synagogue vandalism.

Gilad Kariv, a Reform rabbi and lawmaker, condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators "incited hooligans." He also criticized the Israeli government, suggesting it contributes to hostility toward liberal Jewish denominations. Kariv urged Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion to visit the synagogue and publicly condemn the act.

This is a government that specializes in spreading hatred for free and in delegitimizing the liberal Jewish streams.

— Gilad KarivCriticizing the Israeli government's stance on liberal Jewish denominations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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