Synagogue Destroyed by Missile Attack Reopens in Beit Shemesh

The "Tiferet Yisrael" synagogue in Beit Shemesh has been inaugurated following its complete destruction by a missile strike during a tragic incident that claimed the lives of nine city residents. The rebuilding of the synagogue was completed in a rapid 48-hour effort before the Rosh Hashanah holiday, a testament to close cooperation between the Beit Shemesh municipality, the bereaved families, synagogue officials, and professional teams.

The reopening ceremony was attended by Mayor Shmuel Greenberg, Deputy Mayor Moshe Sitrit, Deputy Mayor Nati Gabai, council members Eden Ben Shitrit and Avi Erntroy, Municipal CEO Eliad Abramczyk, the families of those killed in the attack, and synagogue leaders.

A poignant moment occurred when the synagogue's gabbai (sexton), Tzion Revach, father of Gabriel Revach who was killed in the disaster, affixed a mezuzah to the entrance. This was followed by the first Mincha (afternoon) prayer service at the site. Revach was personally involved in the restoration process, ensuring the swift return of equipment, furniture, and the Holy Ark to make the synagogue operational again.

Revach stated, "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 accomplished it in record time. It deeply moves me and represents our revival from the heavy disaster that took the lives of my son Gabriel and eight others." Mayor Greenberg remarked, "A few weeks ago, we promised 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 proof that no one will break us. No one will break the Jewish people." He also thanked everyone involved in the project and the municipal teams who supported it from beginning to end.