Kol HaNeshama, a Reform synagogue in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood, was pelted with eggs on the second day of Rosh Hashanah; security footage captured the youths and a police complaint was filed. No injuries were reported. The attack follows a break-in a month earlier that damaged artwork and tore down Pride flags, and comes amid broader disputes over the status of non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel. The synagogue has increased security and received cross-denominational support while calling for accountability.
Jerusalem Reform Synagogue Pelted With Eggs During Rosh Hashanah — Second Attack This Month
A damaged window at Kol HaNeshamah synagogue in Jerusalem. (photo credit: Courtesy of Debi Shoua Haim)
A Reform synagogue in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood was targeted for a second time in a month when a group of youths threw eggs at worshippers arriving for Rosh Hashanah services, the congregation said.
What Happened
The incident took place on the second day of Rosh Hashanah at Kol HaNeshama. The congregation said security cameras recorded the youths — including clear images of their faces — and that it filed a police complaint after providing the footage. No injuries were reported.
Eyewitness Accounts
Rabbi Debi Shoua-Haim, one of the synagogue's rabbis, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the group had spoken with several community members before the egg-throwing began. "Some of their questions and comments were homophobic and bordered on harassment," she said. "They were met with openness by everyone they spoke with, and it is unfortunate that this was their response." Shoua-Haim described the episode as "an escalation" and said the congregation is increasing security for Shabbat Shuvah and for services on the fast day.
Earlier Incidents
The egg attack followed a break-in at Kol HaNeshama about a month earlier, when vandals smashed a window, entered the prayer hall, damaged artwork and tore down Pride flags. Days later, another Reform congregation, Darchei Noam in Ramat Hasharon, was hit when attackers hurled a heavy paving stone through a window. At the time, Rabbi Eli Levin characterized the incidents as part of a pattern of hostility toward Reform Jews.
Community Response
Kol HaNeshama reported receiving solidarity from neighboring congregations across denominational lines. A group of south Jerusalem synagogues — including some Orthodox communities — signed a letter of support, and members from different streams joined the congregation for a Kabbalat Shabbat service.
Authorities and Wider Context
Shoua-Haim said the congregation had not received updates from police on either of the two recent incidents. Israel Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism criticized the lack of arrests, warning that impunity can embolden further attacks: "This is not a prank. This is violence against Jews for the way they choose to practice Judaism," the movement said.
Observers place the attacks against the backdrop of an ongoing debate over the status of non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel. Earlier in the year, lawmakers advanced legislation that would restrict egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall, and there have been proposals to narrow the Law of Return's eligibility rules — moves strongly opposed by Reform and Conservative leaders.
Looking Ahead
Despite the incidents, Kol HaNeshama affirmed it will continue to embrace openness and inclusion. "We will continue on our path of openness and acceptance of every person," Shoua-Haim said. "We will continue to promote our values and sustain our community." The congregation has tightened security while trying to maintain a welcoming environment.
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