Reform synagogue vandalized in Ramat Hasharon amid rising religious tensions

A Reform synagogue in Ramat Hasharon suffered vandalism on Sunday night, with a smashed window reported at the "Darchei Noam" synagogue. Mayor Itzik Rochberger confirmed the attack and condemned it, emphasizing Ramat Hasharon's values of freedom, tolerance, and coexistence. He vowed that extremists would not be allowed to damage property or instill fear.

Gilad Kariv, a Reform rabbi and lawmaker, also denounced the attack, referencing the synagogue's name "Darchei Noam," which translates to "ways of joy." He stated that in the face of "ways of hate" and "nonstop incitement," they would continue to promote "nonstop hope," vowing to repair and rebuild what was broken.

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Ramat Hasharon is a city of freedom, tolerance, pluralism, and coexistence of religious and secular people. We will not allow extremists to damage property, instill fear, and sabotage the fabric of our shared life.

The vandalism occurred a week after a court petition regarding the enforcement of Shabbat business-closure bylaws in Ramat Hasharon. It also follows a similar incident in nearby Herzliya, where a restaurant was reportedly vandalized for being open on Shabbat. In Jerusalem, a Reform synagogue and a cafe open on Shabbat have also faced protests and attacks from the ultra-Orthodox community.

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In the face of Judaism of 'ways of hate,' we will continue to promote 'ways of joy.' In the face of nonstop incitement, we will continue to promote nonstop hope. They smash and break; we will repair and rebuild.