ADL chief pays solidarity visit to Jerusalem Reform synagogue targeted in repeated attacks

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt attended Friday night services at Jerusalem's Reform Kol Haneshama synagogue, which has been attacked four times in recent months, including during the High Holidays. Greenblatt called the harassment 'indefensible' and said no congregation should be targeted for being inclusive. The attacks included egg-throwing, a smashed window, a torn LGBTQ pride flag, and a glass plate thrown during Yom Kippur. Three minors have been arrested.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt attended Friday night services at Kol Haneshama, a Reform synagogue in Jerusalem's Baka neighborhood, in a show of solidarity after the congregation was targeted in four attacks over the past two months. The attacks included egg-throwing on Rosh Hashanah, a smashed window, a torn LGBTQ pride flag, and a glass plate thrown into the sanctuary during Yom Kippur. Intruders also reportedly brought a dog into the sanctuary and mockingly asked about a bar mitzvah ceremony. Three minors have been arrested in connection with the incidents, which drew condemnation from President Isaac Herzog and Diaspora Jewish leaders. Greenblatt, visiting Israel for the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, called the harassment 'indefensible' and said no congregation should be targeted for choosing to be inclusive. The attacks are part of a broader pattern of hostility toward Reform congregations in Israel, prompting alarm among community leaders. Haredi politicians have also made derogatory comments about Reform Jews. Rabbi Rick Jacobs of the Union for Reform Judaism previously called on Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion to condemn the attacks, noting the lack of public response from city authorities.