Rabbi Binyamin Hamra, son of the late Rabbi Avraham Hamra - a revered leader of Syria's Jewish community - has issued an appeal to Syria's new leader, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, urging the preservation of the country’s Jewish heritage and community.
According to a report by KAN, Hamra, who resides in Holon, Israel, and serves as the chief rabbi for Syrian Jews in Israel, penned a heartfelt letter in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. The letter calls on al-Julani to protect Syria's remaining Jewish population and restore its historic landmarks.
"As the successor of my father, a proud Syrian native, and as the chief rabbi of the Syrian Jewish community in Israel, I appeal to Your Excellency to safeguard the precious Jews who remain in Syria and preserve its historic Jewish sites," Hamra wrote.
He emphasized the importance of these landmarks as not only religious sites but also symbols of Syria's rich and diverse cultural heritage. "Protecting these sites honors the history and culture of the entire Syrian people," he noted, also advocating for the safeguarding of abandoned Jewish properties.
A central focus of Hamra's appeal is the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Jobar, a site of profound historical significance that has deteriorated over the years. Hamra described its restoration as a gesture of unity and mutual respect, saying, "Reviving this sacred place would symbolize shared heritage and honor among all Syrians."
The rabbi’s appeal reflects a broader call for coexistence and respect amidst Syria’s fractured landscape, highlighting the shared cultural history that binds its diverse communities.
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