Jerusalem egalitarian synagogue vandalized again on Yom Kippur, pride flag stolen

Vandals broke into Jerusalem's egalitarian Kol Haneshama synagogue for the fourth time in a month, this time on Yom Kippur morning. They removed a Pride flag from the sanctuary between Kol Nidre and morning services. Rabbi Oded Mazor announced the theft during Neila services. Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio addressed the congregation, expressing municipal support, and a new Pride flag was raised. The synagogue has been previously targeted for its support of the LGBTQ community.

Vandals broke into Jerusalem's egalitarian Kol Haneshama synagogue for the fourth time in a month, this time on Yom Kippur morning. The vandals entered between the end of Kol Nidre on Sunday night and the start of services Monday morning, stealing a Pride flag hanging in the sanctuary. Rabbi Oded Mazor announced the theft from the bimah during Neila services Monday night. This attack follows three previous incidents in the last month, including egg throwing and broken windows. Just last week, Jewish youth wearing kippot pelted eggs at the synagogue during Rosh Hashanah. At the end of the Yom Kippur service, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio addressed the congregation, expressing the municipality's support, and a Pride flag was raised again as the congregation sang. The previous night, Mazor read a message from Mayor Moshe Lion expressing shock and pledging support. Kol Haneshamah has been previously targeted for its support of the LGBTQ community, including a 2018 rock-throwing incident. Volunteer guards stood watch during Monday's services.