Full Breakdown
President Herzog Engages Reform Community After Series of Vandalism at Jerusalem Synagogue
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident and Presidential Outreach
Between mid-August and early September 2026, the Kol Haneshama Reform synagogue in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood suffered four separate vandalism incidents. The first attack on August 16 involved youths breaking a window, entering the prayer hall, damaging artwork and removing pride flags. On September 13, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, eggs were thrown at worshippers outside the building. Two further intrusions occurred around Yom Kippur, including the removal of a restroom screen, the throwing of a glass object that shattered inside, and the theft of another pride flag. In response, President Isaac Herzog called the community’s rabbi, Oded Mazor, and executive director, Anna Astmker, shortly before Shabbat and the festival began.
Background of the Kol Haneshama Community
Kol Haneshama is a Reform congregation that openly displays LGBTQ-inclusive symbols, such as pride flags, as part of its religious identity. The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, which represents Reform congregations nationwide, noted that the repeated removal of these flags suggests a targeted attack on both the community’s religious practice and its support for LGBTQ inclusion.
Law-Enforcement Response and Arrests
Following the complaints and security-camera footage provided by the congregation, Israel Police opened investigations into the vandalism. Police later announced the arrest of three Jerusalem minors on suspicion of involvement in the damage to the synagogue.
Official Reactions
President Herzog’s office framed the incidents as an assault on religious freedom and pledged coordination with police. Anna Kislanski, director-general of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, stated that the movement would not be intimidated and that its synagogues would remain open to all, underscoring a resolve to maintain inclusive worship despite the attacks.
Implications for Religious Freedom and Security
The series of attacks highlights tensions surrounding LGBTQ-inclusive symbols within Israel’s religious landscape and raises concerns about the safety of minority-religious communities. Herzog’s outreach signals governmental acknowledgment of these concerns, while the arrests demonstrate a law-enforcement effort to deter further vandalism and protect the right to worship without intimidation.