As forces of the Assad regime draw closer to the heart of the city of Aleppo, the ancient Central synagogue of Aleppo is under the threat of destruction, due to the clashes with opposition forces in the city. The synagogue, built in the 9th century CE, serves as one of the Jewish world’s oldest houses of prayer. The exclusive photo of the shul in this report was taken from a hiding place by the Amaliah organization, which reports about the shul’s status.

Due to its proximity to a large number of opposition sniper nests, the shul, which as of today is already badly damaged, is currently under the threat of total destruction. Consequently, efforts are being made in order to preserve its religious articles and ancient scriptures, which, if destroyed, might also destroy the last fragments of Jewish heritage in the city. In light of that, the Amaliah organization, headed by Israeli-American businessman Moti Kahana, is working with opposition forces in the city in order to salvage as much as possible from the synagogue.

Last week, backed by intense Russian air support and Hizbullah reinforcements, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in Syria began their push towards the city of Aleppo, a known opposition stronghold in the region. As the clashes between the forces intensify, people of Aleppo flee the city in search of a safe haven or prepare themselves for the imminent siege of the city. Therefore, this has put in danger not just the civilian life Aleppo, but its’ buildings and religious monuments as well. One such building is the ancient shul.

“We are doing everything in our power in order to save as many seforim and scrolls as possible”, says Moti Kahana, who for the last 5 years has been engaged in humanitarian work in Syria. “This shul is an important heritage site for the Jewish people, holding many historical and holy religious articles, which if destroyed, will take with them any memory of Jewish life from this ancient city.

“We are working together with opposition forces in order to salvage the shul’s religious articles, an effort which has proven to be very costly and difficult. Hence, we call upon all Jewish people and those who share the Jewish belief, to join us in our efforts and donate whatever they can. Together, we can save the story of the Jewish life in Aleppo, which is part of the unique tapestry of the ancient Jewish life in the area”.

In 2012 the shul has suffered major hits during the Syrian civil war, as the first battles over the city of Aleppo began. The ancient synagogue was massively hit during the clashes, leading to the belief that it was completely destroyed. In 2014, reports told that the shul was destroyed in the attack, but indeed took massive damage, living it’s’ fate in the hands of the Syrian rebels controlling the city. In 2015, as the last Jewish family in the Aleppo was smuggled out of the city by Amaliah, the shul stood as a lone remnant to the Jewish life in the city, which dates back to 12th century CE.

This is not the first time the Amaliah organization headed by Kahana is engaged in such matters. In 2014, Kahana has also worked for the sake of the ‘Jobar Shul in Damascus, being the first Israeli-American businessman to work with various opposition organizations throughout Damascus.

Photo: The damaged shul

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: The Amaliah Organization)