President Herzog supports synagogue after vandalism — Jerusalem Post

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the leaders of the Reform community Kol Haneshama in Jerusalem to express support after a series of vandalism incidents targeting the synagogue. This was reported by The Jerusalem Post.

Conversation with community leaders

According to the president's office, Herzog said he would discuss the incidents with the Israel Police and stressed the importance of freedom of worship for everyone in the country. The community said that the president spoke with Rabbi Oded Mazor and executive director Anna Astmker shortly before the beginning of Shabbat and the Sukkot holiday.

During the conversation, Herzog asked about the progress of the police investigation and community members' sense of security after several suspects were detained. On Wednesday, police reported the detention of three underage Jerusalem residents suspected of involvement in damage to the synagogue.

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Four incidents in a month

The community reported four incidents in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood over a little more than a month. The first occurred on August 16: young people, according to the community and surveillance camera footage, broke a window, entered the prayer hall, damaged artworks, and removed displayed Pride flags.

On September 13, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, worshippers near the synagogue were pelted with eggs. No injuries were reported. Two more incidents occurred near Yom Kippur: before the start of the fast, an unidentified person removed a screen from a restroom window and threw a glass object into the building, which shattered. Later, someone entered the synagogue and removed another Pride flag.

The community said it filed police reports and handed over camera footage after the incidents. The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism said the incidents were fueled by incitement against Reform Jews. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion had previously expressed shock over the events, while Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio addressed worshippers after Yom Kippur services.