Jerusalem Police Arrest Three Minors in Synagogue Vandalism Case

Jerusalem police have arrested three minors suspected of involvement in damaging the Kol HaNeshama Reform synagogue in the city's Baka neighborhood. The arrests followed multiple reports of property damage and religious insults directed at the synagogue in recent weeks. Investigators are expected to seek extensions of the minors' detention in court as the investigation continues.

The synagogue was vandalized during Yom Kippur when unknown individuals tore down a Pride flag displayed there, just hours after the Kol Nidre service. This marks the second time a Pride flag has been removed from the premises and the fourth incident targeting the place of worship within a single month.

The series of attacks began on August 16, when youths broke a window, entered the building, and removed the Pride flag for the first time. On September 13, during the second day of Rosh Hashanah, eggs were thrown at worshippers leaving the synagogue, though no one was injured. The night before Yom Kippur, a perpetrator broke a screen on a men's restroom window and threw a glass object inside, which shattered.

Anna Kislansky, CEO of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, condemned the acts, stating, "Precisely on the night of Yom Kippur, after the Kol Nidre prayer, they broke into our synagogue and violently tore down the Pride flag." She noted this was the fourth attack in a month and criticized the police for not yet identifying the perpetrators. Kislansky attributed the violence to "systematic incitement against Reform Jews, including from elected officials," and called on authorities to take the incidents seriously, protect communities, and bring the offenders to justice. She affirmed that Reform synagogues would remain open and continue egalitarian prayer.

The police stated that the investigation is ongoing.