Jerusalem Reform synagogue vandalized for third time in one month

Yael Freidson reports in Haaretz on 20 September 2026:

For the third time in the last month, perpetrators vandalized overnight into Saturday the Kol Haneshama synagogue, one of Israel’s best-known and longest-standing Reform establishments, in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood.

According to the synagogue, which underwent similar attacks last month, the perpetrators tore off the men’s restroom window screen and threw a plate inside, shattering it. The building caretaker discovered the damage at 8 A.M. Sunday, and a police complaint was filed.  The police said that an investigation has been opened to identify the suspects, and “patrols in the area will be increased.”

During Rosh Hashanah last week, youths entered the synagogue during prayers and threw eggs at worshippers in the entrance courtyard. Last month, a synagogue window was broken and a Pride flag hanging at the site was torn down.  In both cases, the perpetrators were captured on security cameras and police complaints were filed, but no suspects have been apprehended so far.

Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Reform Movement, condemned the latest incident, saying, “This string of incidents cannot be dismissed as marginal. When incitement and hateful rhetoric toward Reform Judaism are given legitimacy, the distance to violence and the vandalism of synagogues becomes shorter.”  “On the eve of Yom Kippur, a day when the Jewish people engage in reflection and fasting, some have chosen to target our synagogue,” she added.  “We call on the police and authorities to treat this series of incidents with the seriousness it deserves and to act to protect our communities. And we will not be deterred: Our synagogues will remain open to everyone, and egalitarian, tolerant and inclusive prayer will continue.”

Kol Haneshama was founded in 1985 in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood by U.S.-born Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman and a group of English-speaking immigrants.  In 1986, during the community’s first year, it was targeted by ultra-Orthodox protesters who attempted to disrupt Simchat Torah prayers after hearing that women were dancing with Torah scrolls. The protest turned violent against Reform congregants, prompting police to intervene.

Following the incident, and with the intervention of then-Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek, the congregation received the Baka premises, where it remains today. Construction of its permanent synagogue began in 1992, while the older buildings on the site were used for community activities, including its kindergarten.

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