Jerusalem Reform Synagogue Vandalized for Fourth Time in a Month

Unknown individuals broke into the "Kol HaNeshama" Reform synagogue in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood on Yom Kippur eve, tearing down a Pride flag displayed inside. Police reported the arrest of one suspect. This marks the second time the Pride flag has been removed from the premises and the fourth incident targeting the Jerusalem Reform community in just over a month.

The recent vandalism occurred after the "Kol Nidre" prayer service. Earlier incidents include a break-in on the night of September 20, where a perpetrator tore down a net in the men's restroom and threw a glass object that shattered. On August 16, youths smashed a window, entered the prayer hall, and tore down the LGBTQ+ community's Pride flag. Another escalation happened on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, September 13, when an attacker threw eggs at worshippers leaving the synagogue; no one was injured.

In each case, complaints were filed with the police, and security camera footage was provided. Anna Kislansky, CEO of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, stated, "Precisely on the eve of Yom Kippur, after 'Kol Nidre,' they broke into our synagogue and violently tore down the Pride flag. This is the fourth time in a month our community has been attacked. This violence is fueled by systematic incitement against Reform Jews, including from elected officials. Those who portray us as traitors to Judaism give encouragement to those who break into our synagogue." She urged the police and authorities to treat the events seriously, protect the communities, and bring the perpetrators to justice, vowing that the synagogues would remain open and egalitarian prayer would continue.

Security camera footage captured some of the incidents, including the egg-throwing and the window-smashing. The community has provided this evidence to the police.