Jerusalem Reform Community Holds Public Hakafot After Synagogue Vandalism
The Kol HaNeshama community in Jerusalem held a public Simchat Torah celebration following a series of recent vandalism incidents and attacks on their synagogue.
Members of the Kol HaNeshama community in Jerusalem, alongside local residents, gathered on Saturday evening at the First Station complex to celebrate the traditional Second Hakafot event following a series of recent antisemitic and vandalism incidents directed at their synagogue.
During the evening, participants danced with Torah scrolls in circles that included both male and female worshippers, accompanied by a musical ensemble and a supportive crowd. According to community members, holding the event in a central public space gained extra significance due to the recent property damage, glass-throwing incidents, and harassment.
On Yom Kippur eve, unknown perpetrators broke into the synagogue in the Baka neighborhood following the Kol Nidre prayer and tore down a pride flag from the facade. This followed a string of prior incidents, including teenagers entering the prayer hall in August to tear down the flag, and eggs being thrown at worshippers leaving the building on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
"The strongest response to intimidation and recent acts of violence is the broad public that came out last night to celebrate with us in central Jerusalem," stated Anna Kissin, CEO of the Reform Movement in Israel. "We stood firm to exercise our right to celebrate Simchat Torah in our own way, in a space open to all. We will not be deterred and will continue to proudly lead an open, egalitarian, and inclusive Judaism without fear."
