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A Reform synagogue in Jerusalem was targeted by vandals for the second time in a month on Sunday, as a group of youths threw eggs at worshippers arriving for Rosh Hashanah services. The incident occurred at the Kol HaNeshama congregation in the Baka neighborhood.
According to the congregation, security cameras captured the faces of the individuals involved. The synagogue has filed a formal complaint with the Israel Police and provided the footage as evidence. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Rabbi Debi Shoua-Haim, a leader at Kol HaNeshama, stated that the group had interacted with community members prior to the egg-throwing. She described the youths’ comments as homophobic and harassing in nature. The congregation has since increased security measures in anticipation of upcoming services for Shabbat Shuvah and Yom Kippur.
This event follows a break-in at the same synagogue one month prior, during which vandals smashed a window, damaged artwork, and removed Pride flags. Shortly after that incident, a separate Reform congregation, Darchei Noam in Ramat Hasharon, reported that a paving stone was thrown through one of its windows.
The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism issued a statement condemning the attacks, characterizing them as violence directed at Jews based on their religious practices. The organization expressed concern that a lack of arrests in these cases is emboldening further aggression.
Rabbi Shoua-Haim noted that the congregation has not received updates from the police regarding the investigations into the recent incidents. The Israel Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Despite the recurring nature of these attacks, which have included previous incidents involving property damage and the targeting of the synagogue’s LGBTQ-inclusive policies, the congregation stated it remains committed to its values of openness. Kol HaNeshama reported receiving messages of solidarity from various neighboring congregations, including several Orthodox institutions.
Article source: www.jta.org | Image credit: www.jta.org
