Destruction of ancient Jobar Synagogue in Syria is a tragedy and ominous signal to all

May 29, 2014) Justice for Jews from Arab Countries notes with great dismay and sadness, the destruction last weekend of the Eliyahu Hanabi Synagogue in the Jobar neighborhood of Damascus.

Justice for Jews from Arab Countries is similarly concerned about the preservation and protection of Jewish heritage and holy sites in Arab countries throughout the region, where there are no longer any Jewish communities.

The over 400 year old ‘Jobar’ Synagogue, which was built to honor the prophet Elijah, has been a destination for Jewish pilgrimage for centuries. The Synagogue, which was a treasure of Jewish and Syrian cultural heritage, held thousands of religious and cultural treasures, including hundreds-years-old Torah scrolls, historical texts and ancient Jewish artifacts, the current fate of which is unknown.

At least 33 churches and hundreds of mosques have been destroyed since the start of the Syrian civil war, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Justice for Jews from Arab Countries calls upon the US Government and UNESCO to move swiftly to ensure the preservation and protection of heritage and holy sites to all – Jewish, Christian and Muslim – throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf region.