President Isaac Herzog phoned Kol Haneshama leaders before Sukkot to express solidarity after a series of vandalism incidents at the Baka synagogue. He said he would raise the matter with Israel Police and emphasized "the utmost importance of freedom of worship for all in the State of Israel." The attacks—beginning on August 16 and including egg-throwing on September 13 and two incidents around Yom Kippur—involved broken windows, damaged artwork and removal of Pride flags. Police later arrested three Jerusalem minors; Reform movement leaders blamed incitement and vowed not to be intimidated.
Herzog Condemns Vandalism, Offers Support to Jerusalem Reform Congregation After Repeated Attacks
A view of "Kol Haneshama" synagogue building in Jerusalem on July 8, 2013. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
President Isaac Herzog called leaders of Jerusalem's Kol Haneshama Reform community ahead of Sukkot to offer solidarity after a string of vandalism incidents at the congregation's Baka synagogue, the President's Office said.
According to the office, Herzog told Rabbi Oded Mazor and executive director Anna Astmker that he would raise the incidents with the Israel Police and stressed "the utmost importance of freedom of worship for all in the State of Israel." The conversation took place shortly before Shabbat and the start of the festival; the president also asked about the status of the police investigation and how safe congregants were feeling after several suspects were arrested.
Timeline of Incidents
The community reported four incidents in just over a month. On August 16, youths broke a window, entered the prayer hall, damaged artwork and removed pride flags displayed by the congregation, according to the community and security-camera footage.
President of Israel Isaac Herzog attends the Israel Police President's Outstanding Officers Ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, September 6, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
On September 13, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, worshippers outside the synagogue were pelted with eggs; no injuries were reported. Around Yom Kippur two further episodes were recorded: an intruder removed a restroom window screen and hurled a glass object into the building, where it shattered, and later between Kol Nidre and the following morning's services people entered the synagogue and removed another pride flag.
Police Response and Community Reaction
The congregation filed police complaints and supplied security footage after each incident. Police announced that three Jerusalem minors had been arrested on suspicion of causing damage to the synagogue.
The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism said the episodes reflected incitement against Reform Jews. Director-general Anna Kislanski condemned the attacks, saying the movement would not be intimidated and that its synagogues would remain open to all.
"The utmost importance of freedom of worship for all in the State of Israel," the President's Office quoted Herzog as saying.
The congregation also reported strong local support: neighboring congregations and residents offered assistance, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion contacted Rabbi Mazor and expressed shock, and Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio addressed worshippers after Yom Kippur services. The police investigation is ongoing.
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