Worshippers at the Minchat Hovav synagogue on Moshe HaServa Street in Ramat Gan arrived this week to find shattered glass and severe damage to the entrance lobby after an unknown person threw a heavy concrete block at the building. The damage has stirred anger and distress in the local community and city leadership.
Members of the congregation said this was not the first attack. About a month ago, they said, someone ripped out a mezuzah from the synagogue, and now the vandalism had escalated. One worshipper said, “The violence and incitement are seeping into the ground,” adding, “We will not allow a small extremist and violent group to harm the fabric of life and our heart’s blood.”
Israel Police has opened an investigation, collecting forensic evidence and material from the scene. Work has also begun on urgent installation of perimeter security cameras, but investigators still have no leads on who carried out the attack.
The congregation also accused city hall and Mayor of applying unequal standards. They said officials reacted loudly when a non-Jewish flag was removed nearby, but have been silent over what they describe as a real desecration of a holy place. Deputy Mayor and deputy safety portfolio holder Zohar Yisraeli called the incident a serious assault on Jewish values and religious freedom, and said police are examining whether it was anti-religious or possibly nationalist in motive. He said, “We will not allow a small extremist group to harm the sanctity of synagogues and the shared fabric of life in the city.”
