In the suburb of Jobar, just outside Damascus, the remnants of Syria’s Jewish community can once again step inside one of the world’s oldest synagogues, a place that once buzzed with prayers and gatherings.
Historical Significance and Community Challenges
The synagogue has faced extensive damage throughout Syria’s prolonged civil conflict, suffering the collapse of parts of its walls and roof, along with the loss of countless artifacts.
A marble inscription by its entrance proclaims its establishment dating back to 720 years before Christ.
With the overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s regime in early December by insurgent forces, the heavily bombarded Jobar area has recently become more accessible to visitors.
Historically, Syria boasted a vibrant Jewish population that once ranked among the largest globally.
However, these numbers have drastically dwindled, particularly since the establishment of Israel in 1948.
Nowadays, only nine elderly Jews are estimated to remain in Syria, and community leaders express concerns that soon, none may be left.
The Personal Connection
During a visit to the Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue last Thursday, Bakhour Chamntoub, the community’s leader and a 74-year-old resident, reflected on the synagogue’s profound significance in his life.
After 15 years away, he returned, only to find the cherished place he remembered reduced to ruins.
Despite the devastation, Chamntoub has received messages of support from Jews worldwide, eager to assist with rebuilding efforts.
Unlike his twelve siblings, who left Syria during the war, he chose to stay, finding comfort and respect among his neighbors.
While he has freely discussed his faith without facing discrimination, others have opted for silence amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Fading Legacy and Hopes for the Future
The Jewish presence in Syria stretches back nearly 3,000 years, tracing its roots to the era of the prophet Elijah.
A major influx of Jews into Damascus occurred after the First Crusade in 1099, with more arriving from Europe fleeing the Spanish Inquisition in 1492.
By the early 20th century, Syria was home to around 100,000 Jews, but increasing tensions and restrictions following 1948 prompted many to seek new lives in Israel, the United States, and beyond.
Under Assad’s regime, Jews could practice their religion, yet they faced travel restrictions.
Even after peace talks began in the early 1990s and some restrictions were lifted, many opted to leave.
Before the civil war erupted in 2011, Jobar synagogue buzzed with activity every Saturday.
Chamntoub nostalgically recalled the treasures that once adorned the synagogue, including Torah scrolls and decorative art, most of which have since been lost to looting.
Barakat Hazroumi, a Muslim neighbor, shared memories of the local Jewish worshippers who would ask for help lighting Sabbath candles, a testament to the camaraderie that once flourished.
He emphasized the need for total reconstruction of the area.
Following the Assad regime’s recapture of Jobar in 2018, strict security measures were imposed, limiting access for many residents.
However, the ruling Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, recently pledged to allow individuals of all faiths to worship freely, even amid some sectarian violence.
After his visit to the synagogue, Chamntoub returned to his home in the historic Jewish quarter of Damascus, close to what was once the Maimonides Jewish school, established in 1944.
This neighborhood symbolizes the fading Jewish presence, with many homes sealed shut and government oversight evident over Jewish properties.
As the community dwindles, Chamntoub faces the challenge of finding kosher food.
He occasionally receives packages from family in the United States and recalls times he prepared meals with a Jewish friend, now unable to help.
For nourishment, Chamntoub turns primarily to vegetarian dishes and often cooks for an elderly neighbor, Firdos Mallakh, who is also without family in Syria.
During a recent conversation, she expressed her hesitance about using precious resources like gas for heating.
Chamntoub holds on to hope that changes in governance will usher in greater freedoms for the Syrian people.
He reminisced about past restrictions that forced him to seek government permission even for media conversations.
While he takes pride in his Jewish identity, the dwindling population means no synagogue services take place anymore.
This year, he finds himself celebrating Hanukkah alone, starting his eight-day festival in solitude.
Source: Religionnews
