Syria's Jews return to pray at partially destroyed synagogue in defiance of destruction

In the suburbs of Damascus, Syria, the remaining members of the dwindling Jewish community have resumed visits to the historic Jobar Synagogue, also known as Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue. Once a vibrant site of worship and community gathering, the synagogue has fallen into disrepair due to the civil war that began in 2011. Despite the extensive damage, including collapsed walls and missing artifacts, members like Bakhour Chamantoub have expressed the significance of this pilgrimage for the community's identity. Bakhour Chamantoub, aged 74, is a key figure within this community; he has retained a sense of belonging in his homeland despite the massive exodus of his relatives, all of whom have fled the country. The recent visit marks Chamantoub's first in 15 years, during which he was overwhelmed by the extent of the destruction. He has received calls from Jewish individuals worldwide who are willing to assist in the reconstruction of the synagogue, suggesting a global interest in preserving this historical monument. Before the onset of the civil war, this synagogue served as a central hub for the small Jewish population in Syria, where community members gathered every Saturday for prayers. The Assad regime historically offered a degree of freedom for Jews to practice their faith, but travel restrictions effectively isolated them from the wider Jewish world until the 1990s. The conflict led to a significant decline in the community's size and exacerbated issues related to religious observance, including the availability of kosher food, which is increasingly scarce. The Jobar area, known as the Jewish quarter, has been heavily secured since Assad's forces regained control in 2018. Many homes and properties in the area are labeled as