Kol Haneshama, an egalitarian Reform synagogue in Jerusalem, was broken into on Yom Kippur morning and a Pride flag was stolen, Rabbi Oded Mazor said during Neila services. This was the fourth attack on the congregation in a month, following incidents that included egg-throwing and shattered windows. Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio pledged municipal support as the community raised a Pride flag again. The synagogue has faced similar hostility before, including a 2018 Simchat Torah incident when a rock was thrown into its courtyard.
Kol Haneshama Vandalized on Yom Kippur; Pride Flag Stolen in Fourth Attack This Month
A view of "Kol Haneshama" synagogue building in Jerusalem on July 8, 2013. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Kol Haneshama, a prominent egalitarian Reform synagogue in Jerusalem, was broken into on Yom Kippur morning and a Pride flag hanging in the sanctuary was removed, Rabbi Oded Mazor announced from the bimah during Neila services.
What Happened
The intruders entered sometime between the end of Kol Nidre on Sunday night and the start of Monday morning services and took the rainbow flag before worship resumed. Rabbi Mazor revealed the theft during closing services, describing it as the latest in a string of incidents targeting the congregation.
Pattern Of Attacks
Monday's incident was the fourth attack on Kol Haneshama within a month. Previous incidents have included eggs thrown at the building, broken windows and, last week, a group of youths wearing kippot reportedly pelted the synagogue with eggs during Rosh Hashanah services.
The Jewish symbol the Star of David is seen on a rainbow flag. The rainbow flag represents gay pride. June 07, 2009. (credit: DANIEL DREIFUSS/FLASH 90)
Community Response And Official Support
At the close of Yom Kippur services, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio addressed worshippers and expressed municipal support; the congregation then raised a Pride flag again as attendees sang. During Kol Nidre the previous evening, Rabbi Mazor read a message from Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion expressing shock over the attacks and pledging the city's backing.
Volunteer guards—including neighbors from the Baka neighborhood who are not synagogue members—stood watch during Monday's services to protect worshippers. No injuries were reported in the recent incidents.
Background
Kol Haneshama has previously been targeted because of its public support for LGBTQ people. In 2018, worshippers reported that a large rock was hurled into the synagogue courtyard during Simchat Torah celebrations involving more than 200 people; the congregation filed a police complaint and no one was injured.
JTA contributed to this report.
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