Synagogue Destroyed in Missile Strike Rebuilt in Beit Shemesh

The "Tiferet Yisrael" synagogue in Beit Shemesh was inaugurated on Wednesday, months after it was completely destroyed by a missile strike that killed nine city residents. The rebuilding was completed just 48 hours before Rosh Hashanah, following accelerated work aimed at allowing worshippers to return for the holiday.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mayor Shmuel Greenberg, Deputy Mayor Moshe Sitrit, Deputy Mayor Nati Gabai, council members Eden Ben Sitrit and Avi Erntroy, Municipal Manager Eliad Abramczyk, families of the victims, the synagogue's gabbai (sexton), and others involved in its reconstruction.

During the ceremony, a mezuzah was affixed to the entrance, and the Mincha prayer was held. The mezuzah was placed by Tzion Revach, father of Gabriel Revach, who was killed in the disaster. Revach was personally involved in the synagogue's restoration, working with the municipality to expedite the work, install equipment and furnishings, and place the Holy Ark to quickly bring the synagogue back into service.

The project was a collaboration between the bereaved families, the synagogue's gabbai, the Beit Shemesh municipality, and municipal professional staff. The goal was to finish construction before Rosh Hashanah, enabling congregants to begin the new year in their long-time place of worship.

Mayor Greenberg stated, "A few weeks ago, we promised that the synagogue would be ready for Rosh Hashanah, and today, 48 hours before the holiday, we have completed the mission. The rebuilding of the synagogue is a testament that no one will break us. No one will break the Jewish people." He thanked those involved in the project.

Tzion Revach added, "This is a day of celebration. We have returned the synagogue to its glory, the synagogue that stood here for 70 years. The mayor embraced this project and did it in record time. It deeply moves me, and this is our resurgence from the heavy disaster that claimed the life of my son Gabriel."