President Isaac Herzog called the leaders of Jerusalem’s Kol Haneshama Reform community ahead of Sukkot to express his support following repeated acts of vandalism against its synagogue, the President’s Office said on Sunday.
Herzog told the community leaders that he would discuss the incidents with Israel Police and stressed “the utmost importance of freedom of worship for all in the State of Israel,” according to his office.
The community said Herzog spoke with its rabbi, Oded Mazor, and its executive director, Anna Astmker, shortly before Shabbat and the festival began. It said the president asked about the police investigation and the community’s sense of security following the arrests of several suspects.
The call followed four reported incidents at the synagogue in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood within little more than a month.
The first occurred on August 16, when youths broke a window, entered the prayer hall, damaged artwork, and removed pride flags displayed by the congregation, according to the community and security footage from the site.
On September 13, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, eggs were thrown at worshipers outside the synagogue. No injuries were reported.
A further two incidents occurred around Yom Kippur. Before the fast began, an intruder removed a screen from a restroom window and threw a glass object into the building, where it shattered. Later, between the end of Kol Nidre services and the beginning of prayers the following morning, people entered the synagogue and removed another pride flag.
The congregation said police complaints were filed and security-camera footage was provided following the incidents.
Police arrest three minors on suspicion of involvement
Police announced on Wednesday that three Jerusalem minors had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in causing damage to the synagogue.
The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism alleged that the incidents were fueled by incitement against Reform Jews. Its director-general, Anna Kislanski, said the movement would not be intimidated and that its synagogues would remain open to all.
The repeated removal of Pride flags has led the congregation to argue that both its religious identity and its support for LGBTQ inclusion were being targeted.
The community said it told Herzog of the support it had received from neighboring congregations and residents. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion had previously contacted Mazor and sent a message expressing shock over the incidents, while Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio addressed worshipers at the synagogue after Yom Kippur services.