WATCH: Rebels show oldest synagogue in Syria destroyed by Assad’s forces

The Jobar synagogue, one of the very oldest in Damascus, is said to have been built in honor of Elijah the Prophet as he was escaping persecution.

 

President Bashar Assad’s forces bombed one of Syria’s oldest synagogues on Friday, Syrian opposition activists report. The synagogue, located in the suburban Jobar district of Damascus, is said to have been built in honor of Elijah the Prophet while he was escaping persecution.

Damascus synagogue destroyed

A sign at the entrance of the Damascus synagogue, taken from the Youtube video below..

According to tradition, the synagogue stands at the site where Elijah the prophet anointed Elisha as a prophet as well.

Syrian rebels released a video showing the front of the synagogue and the sign in both Arabic and English that reads: “Shrine and Synagogue of Eliyahou Hanabi since 720 B.C.”

In the background, you can hear one of the rebels describing the destruction. The synagogue’s structure has undergone almost no changes since it was built 2,000 years ago, making it especially unique both architecturally and historically.

The fighting in Syria, which has been raging for roughly two years, has claimed over 70,000 live and dozens of mosques and churches have been damaged or destroyed. The Assad regime and Syrian rebels often exchange accusations about who is to blame.

Last week, the United Nations reported that the number of Syrians forced out of their homes by the conflict could reach over 1 million.

 

View original HAARETZ publication at: http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/watch-assad-forces-destroy-oldest-synagogue-in-syria-rebels-claim-1.506718