In the Jobar suburb of Damascus, the ancient Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, one of the world's oldest, stands partially in ruins after years of civil war. Recently, some of Syria's small Jewish population, now reduced to just nine individuals, have been able to return to this historic site. One such visitor, Bakhour Chamntoub, the 74-year-old head of the Jewish community, expressed being "frankly disturbed" by the damage but remains hopeful about reconstruction efforts, fueled by international offers of assistance.
Once a significant Jewish center, Syria's community dwindled post-1948 following the creation of Israel and subsequent emigration waves. Although the Assad regime allowed religious liberties, travel outside Syria was restricted until the 1990s. Chamntoub, who chose to remain despite the exodus of his family, fondly remembers the synagogue's former splendor—its Torahs, chandeliers, and tapestries—all likely stolen amid the conflict.
Syria's new Islamist rulers, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, promise religious freedom, though remnants of the Jewish community now face challenges such as sourcing kosher food. Nonetheless, Chamntoub is optimistic that increased freedoms may come with Bashar Assad's fall. He observes Hanukkah alone, the city's synagogues remaining silent as the remaining community ages. In a changed Syria, Chamntoub continues to live with pride in his identity: "I am a Jew and I am proud of it." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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