Jewish Community in Syria

SOURCE www.npr.org
Rabbi Yusuf Hamra visits the Faranj synagogue in Damascus for the first time in over 30 years, reflecting on the Jewish community's departure from Syria. A small Jewish delegation, including former U.S. Ambassador Stephen Rapp, visits Syria to pave the way for Syrian Jews to return and press for the lifting of sanctions.

Key Points

  • Rabbi Yusuf Hamra's emotional return to Faranj synagogue
  • Visit organized by Syrian American activist Mouaz Moustafa
  • Efforts to lift sanctions on Syria to aid Syrian Jews' return

Pros

  • Historic visit to Faranj synagogue after 30 years
  • Efforts to rebuild Syrian Jewish community
  • Potential for Syrian Jews to return home

Cons

  • Dwindling Syrian Jewish population
  • Controversy around Syrian government's past associations
  • Sanctions on Syria impacting return of Syrian Jews