Syrian Jews Hope for Revival After Rebel Victory
This historic event brought together members of the small Jewish community, which had been isolated for many years. The prayer was led by Syrian-American Rabbi Yusuf Hamra, the last spiritual leader of Syrian Jews, who left the country in the 1990s.
"Arriving in Damascus two days ago, I came to pray here for the first time... after 34 years," Hamra said, standing in the Jewish quarter of the Syrian capital.
The revival of the community brings hope for the restoration of its cultural and spiritual heritage. For a long time, Jewish life in Syria was under pressure, and the historic synagogue in the Damascus suburb of Jobar was looted and severely damaged during Assad’s rule.
Community leader Bahur Shamntub expressed his joy at Hamra’s return:
"For almost 40 years, I had not prayed with others. The feeling is indescribable."
The history of Jewish presence in Syria dates back to the 6th century BCE. In the 7th century, the region’s Jews supported the Arab conquest of the Levant, which contributed to peaceful coexistence with Muslim rulers. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab lifted Byzantine restrictions and allowed Jews to live in Jerusalem, granting them access to the Western Wall.
In the 12th century, Damascus Jews found refuge under Muslim rulers while fleeing persecution from the Crusaders. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Jewish refugees from Spain settled in Syria, escaping the Inquisition.
Whether Syrian Jews will be able to reclaim their lost heritage and rebuild their community remains to be seen. However, the recent events offer hope that the ancient Jewish tradition of Damascus will not be forgotten.
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