In Syria, a group of Jewish volunteers worked hard to restore a 2,000-year-old synagogue in the Jobar neighborhood of Damascus. This synagogue has a lot of historical significance, as it is believed to be the place where the Prophet Elijah hid from Queen Jezebel.
The volunteers, most of whom are descendants of Syrian Jews who emigrated to Israel, were able to repair the Torah ark, the women’s gallery, and the ark where the scrolls are stored. The restoration process was not easy, as the synagogue had been damaged during the Syrian civil war.
Despite the challenges, the volunteers were motivated to restore this important piece of Jewish history. They see it as a way to connect with their heritage and preserve a part of Syria’s multicultural past. The reopening of the synagogue was a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for the future.
The restoration of the Jobar synagogue is just one example of how heritage sites can bring people together and bridge cultural divides. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving history and working together to ensure that future generations can learn from the past.