Youths threw eggs at synagogue worshippers in Jerusalem — Jerusalem Post
In Jerusalem, Israel, a group of Jewish youths threw eggs at worshippers arriving for services at the Kol HaNeshama Reform synagogue in the Baka neighborhood on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. The community said no one was injured, and surveillance cameras recorded the youths, including their faces. The footage was handed over to police along with a complaint, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Community strengthens security
One of the community's rabbis, Debbie Shua-Haim, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that before the incident, the youths spoke with several members of the community. According to her, some of their questions and comments were homophobic and bordered on harassment. The rabbi called the incident an escalation.
Shua-Haim said the synagogue would strengthen security measures for Shabbat Shuva — the Saturday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur — as well as for Yom Kippur services. She added that the community would prefer to keep its doors open to everyone who wishes to attend.
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Second incident in a month
This is already the second incident involving Kol HaNeshama within a month. Earlier, vandals entered the building at night: they broke a window, entered the prayer hall, damaged artworks and tore down pride flags displayed by the community.
A few days later, unidentified individuals attacked another Reform community, Darchei Noam in Ramat HaSharon, throwing a heavy paving stone through its window. The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism said that the lack of arrests in recent cases encourages further violence.
According to Shua-Haim, the community has not received any updates from police regarding the two latest incidents. Israel Police did not immediately respond to a JTA request about the progress of both investigations. At the same time, the synagogue was supported by neighboring communities from different Jewish denominations, including Orthodox ones: they signed a letter of solidarity and joined a Kabbalat Shabbat service.
