Jerusalem egalitarian synagogue vandalized again on Yom Kippur, pride flag stolen

On Yom Kippur, the egalitarian synagogue Kol Haneshama in Jerusalem was once again vandalized, the fourth attack on the historic Reform Jewish house of worship in a month. The desecration occurred during the early hours of Monday morning, between the conclusion of Kol Nidre services on Sunday night and the commencement of the new day's prayers.

Rabbi Oded Mazor, addressing the congregation from the bimah during Neila services that evening, announced the theft of a pride flag that had been displayed in the synagogue's sanctuary. The vandals had entered the building sometime between the end of Kol Nidre on Sunday night and the start of the services on Monday morning.

This was the fourth incident targeting the synagogue in the recent month, which included egg-throwing incidents and broken windows. Last week, Jewish youth hurled eggs at the synagogue during Rosh Hashanah.

Upon concluding the Yom Kippur service on Monday, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio spoke to the congregation, offering the city's support and raising a Pride flag once more. The previous evening, during Kol Nidre services, Mazor read a statement from Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion expressing shock at the ongoing attacks and pledging the city's solidarity amidst the series of assaults that have plagued the community.

Prior to the most recent attack, the synagogue had already faced several incidents due to its support for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, a sizable rock was thrown into the synagogue's courtyard during Simchat Torah celebrations, attended by over 200 people, resulting in a police complaint. Thankfully, no one was injured during that event.

On Monday, to safeguard the congregation from the vandals who chose to express their animosity on Yom Kippur, a volunteer guard duty was carried out by members of the Baka neighborhood, where the synagogue is located, and who were not affiliated with the congregation.