Jerusalem Reform synagogue vandalized, Pride flags torn down in latest attack
MK Gilad Kariv called those responsible “incited hooligans” and accused the Israeli government of contributing to hostility toward Reform and other liberal Jewish denominations.
In Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood, a group of youths broke into the Reform synagogue Kol HaNeshamah over the weekend. At around midnight, they smashed a window and entered the prayer hall. Security footage shows at least three individuals involved in the incident, though no congregation members were present at the time.
Rabbi Debi Shoua Haim of Kol HaNeshamah expressed distress over the vandalism, stating that it occurred during the Hebrew month of Elul, a period traditionally dedicated to repentance. The rabbi emphasized that such acts of hatred and violence have no place in a civil society.
The congregation had previously reported two incidents of break-ins in June 2023, where Pride flags displayed for Pride Month were torn down. In one of those incidents, intruders entered the sanctuary before fleeing. Police have opened an investigation into the latest attack, and the congregation has turned over security footage to the authorities.
Reform rabbi and lawmaker Gilad Kariv condemned those responsible as "incited hooligans" and accused the Israeli government of contributing to hostility towards liberal Jewish denominations. He called on Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion to visit the synagogue and publicly support the congregation. Kariv highlighted that similar attacks on Reform and other liberal Jewish communities occur "on a weekly basis."
Jerusalem's Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio described the incident as part of a "wave of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community in Jerusalem" and urged police not to dismiss the vandalism as a prank. The attack occurred on the same day as an assault at Central Synagogue in New York City, where an assailant disrupted a Shabbat service and attacked a congregant and security guard. However, there is no evidence linking the two incidents.
Kol HaNeshamah, founded in 1984, is a prominent Reform synagogue in Jerusalem, known for its egalitarian practices and support for religious pluralism and LGBTQ inclusion. Despite facing opposition from critics of non-Orthodox Judaism, the congregation remains committed to its values of openness, acceptance, and togetherness.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
