Discussion: Saving a Syrian Synagogue

For centuries a synagogue in Jobar, Syria, served as a holy gathering site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims who came to see the cave where the prophet Eliyahu Hanavi, also known as Elijah, hid to escape persecution. Now the almost-six-year war in Syria has devastated the country, including Jobar.

As the violence intensified, residents banded together to save the synagogue and the precious objects within it. In the midst of violent atrocities, their leader reached across religions and nations for support, including to the chief rabbi of Syria. Shelling by the Syrian regime destroyed the synagogue in May 2014, but because of the heroic efforts of a Muslim man, some of its Judaica survived. His efforts testify to the humanity and character of ordinary Syrians caught in the maelstrom of war.