Full Breakdown
Vandalism Targets Jerusalem Reform Synagogue Kol HaNeshama
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Yom Kippur Attack
Over the night of Yom Kippur, unidentified vandals entered Kol HaNeshama in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood. They tore a window screen in the men’s restroom, threw a glass plate that shattered inside, and removed a rainbow pride flag that had been displayed in the sanctuary. The synagogue’s caretaker discovered the damage the following morning and filed a police complaint; investigators have opened a case but have not released further details.
Recent History of Attacks
The Yom Kippur incident marks the fourth vandalism event aimed at the congregation within a month and the third direct attack on Kol HaNeshama itself. A week earlier, during Rosh Hashanah, Jewish youths wearing kippot approached worshippers, asked questions, then hurled eggs and made remarks that Rabbi Debi Shoua-Haim said “bordered on sexual harassment.” In 2018, a large rock was thrown into the courtyard during Simchat Torah celebrations, prompting a police complaint. The month also saw a separate Reform synagogue, Darchei Noam in Ramat Hasharon, vandalized with rocks and a smashed window.
Official Reactions
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion expressed shock and pledged municipal support in a message read during Kol Nidre services. Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio addressed the congregation after the Yom Kippur service, reaffirming the city’s backing. Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, called the series of incidents “not isolated” and urged authorities to treat them seriously.
Data Summary
- Four vandalism incidents have targeted Kol HaNeshama in the past month.
- Three of those incidents directly targeted this synagogue; a fourth targeted another Reform synagogue in the same period.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the third act of vandalism within a month against the Kol HaNeshama community in Jerusalem, and it follows the attack on the synagogue of the Darchei Noam community in Ramat Hasharon last month,” — Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism
The leadership of the Reform movement has pledged that synagogues will remain open and inclusive, while urging police and municipal authorities to increase protection for Reform communities.
