Kol HaNeshamah, a well-known Reform synagogue in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood, was broken into after midnight; vandals smashed a window, entered the prayer hall and tore down Pride flags. Security footage shows multiple intruders and has been handed to police, who collected fingerprints and opened an investigation. MK Gilad Kariv and Jerusalem officials condemned the attack, which follows previous vandalism aimed at the congregation; no arrests or motive have been announced.
Reform Synagogue in Jerusalem Vandalized; Pride Flags Torn Down in Overnight Break-In
A damaged window at Kol HaNeshamah synagogue in Jerusalem. (photo credit: Courtesy of Debi Shoua Haim)
Kol HaNeshamah, a prominent Reform synagogue in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood, was the target of a late-night break-in when intruders smashed a window, entered the prayer hall and tore down Pride flags displayed by the congregation, synagogue leaders said.
What Happened
Shortly after midnight, a group of youths gained access to the synagogue grounds. Security footage released by the Reform movement shows at least three people inside the compound; no worshippers were present during the incident. The congregation reported damage to the building and a work of art, and turned the recordings over to police.
Police Response
Investigators from Jerusalem's Moriah station opened a probe. A police detective visited the synagogue to review security footage and collect fingerprints. As of the latest statements, no suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced.
Reactions And Context
"This past weekend we experienced a serious incident at our synagogue, when unknown individuals broke into the compound, damaged the building, vandalized a work of art and tore down the Pride flags that represent the community's values of inclusion and acceptance," Rabbi Debi Shoua Haim of Kol HaNeshamah said.
MK Gilad Kariv, a Reform rabbi and lawmaker, condemned the attack as the work of "incited hooligans," and accused the government of fostering hostility toward Reform and other liberal Jewish streams. Kariv urged Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion to visit the congregation and publicly show support.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion is seen addressing the Jerusalem Post annual conference at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, on October 12, 2021. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio described the episode as part of a broader "wave of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community in Jerusalem," and warned against dismissing the vandalism as a prank.
History Of Targeting
Kol HaNeshamah has been targeted before because of its visible support for LGBTQ inclusion and religious pluralism. In 2018 a large rock was thrown into its courtyard during Simchat Torah celebrations, and in June 2023 Pride flags were torn down in two separate break-ins, one of which saw intruders enter the sanctuary.
Related Incidents
The Jerusalem break-in occurred within hours of an unrelated attack at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, where an assailant disrupted a Friday night service and assaulted a congregant and security guard. Authorities have not indicated any connection between the two incidents.
Congregation's Response
Kol HaNeshamah said it will not be deterred. "To all those who are trying to extinguish our light, the Kol HaNeshamah community will continue to be an open, embracing and accepting house of prayer," Rabbi Shoua Haim said. "Hatred will not defeat our values, and we will continue to work for togetherness, love and tolerance."
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