Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Sep 18: A Reform synagogue in Jerusalem was targeted for the second time in a month when a group of Jewish youths allegedly threw eggs at worshippers arriving for Rosh Hashanah services, according to the congregation.
The incident took place on Sunday morning at Kol HaNeshama synagogue in Jerusalem’s Baka neighbourhood, during the second day of Rosh Hashanah. No injuries were reported.
The congregation said its security cameras captured footage of the youths, including their faces. A police complaint was subsequently filed and the footage was handed over to investigators.
Debi Shoua-Haim, one of the congregation’s rabbis, said the group had interacted with several members of the community before the egg-throwing incident. She said some of their comments and questions were homophobic and amounted to harassment.
The congregation described the latest incident as an escalation and said it was increasing security for Shabbat Shuvah, the Sabbath between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as services on Yom Kippur.
The incident came about a month after vandals allegedly broke into Kol HaNeshama overnight, smashed a window, entered the prayer hall, damaged artwork and removed Pride flags displayed by the congregation.
Days later, another Reform congregation, Darchei Noam in Ramat Hasharon, was targeted when a heavy paving stone was allegedly thrown through one of its windows.
The incidents have occurred amid an ongoing debate in Israel over the status of non-Orthodox Jewish movements. Reform and Conservative leaders have also opposed legislative proposals affecting egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall and eligibility for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return.
Kol HaNeshama has faced similar incidents in the past, including damage to its premises and the removal of Pride flags.
The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism criticised the lack of arrests in the recent cases, saying the absence of enforcement could encourage further violence.
Meanwhile, Kol HaNeshama said it had received messages of support from neighbouring synagogues across different Jewish denominations. Several congregations, including Orthodox ones, signed a letter of solidarity with the synagogue.
Despite the incidents, Shoua-Haim said the congregation would continue to promote openness and acceptance and maintain its community activities.
Israel Police had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the status of the recent investigations.