Rabbi Yusuf Hamra led a historic visit to the Faranj synagogue in Damascus, marking the return of Syrian Jews after decades. The delegation’s aims include rebuilding ties with Syria and advocating for lifting U.S. sanctions. Warm receptions from locals and discussions with Syrian authorities underscore a hope for community restoration.
Rabbi Yusuf Hamra expressed profound emotion upon returning to the Faranj synagogue in Damascus, his last place of worship before emigrating 33 years ago amid a Jewish exodus from Syria. At 77, he found the synagogue, built over 500 years ago, in disarray, with dusty benches and decaying prayer books. “I remember my father, the last day before we left here, he was praying,” his son, Henry Hamra, recounted tearfully.
Rabbi Hamra’s visit marked a significant occasion as part of a small delegation invited by the new Syrian government, aiming to include all who can contribute to the rebuilding of the nation post-regime. Most of Syria’s Jews emigrated following a two-year period starting in 1992, leaving behind a community of what was once over 30,000 individuals.
The Hamra family settled in Brooklyn, with Rabbi Hamra reminiscing, “It was very hard…But this was my home for 45 years.” This visit is pivotal as it explores possibilities for Syrian Jews to return home and advocates for lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria.
Organized by Mouaz Moustafa, founder of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, the aim is to reconnect Syrian Jews with their heritage and advocate political influence due to the delegation’s connections in the U.S. administration. Rabbi Asher Lopatin from Detroit expressed hope that this would resonate positively within the administration.
Security measures were relaxed, with the Syrian government providing protection during the visit. The delegation expressed sentiments of acceptance as they were warmly greeted by neighbors from years past, bridging communal memories across decades of absence.
Of the 22 existing synagogues in Syria, all remain closed. Visiting one, Rabbi Hamra held a prayer book authored by himself decades ago, still recognizing the essence of his Syrian roots. The delegation also toured destroyed sites, including a synagogue demolished during the civil war.
In meetings with Syrian authorities, there was an expressed commitment to assist returning citizens and restore citizenship rights. Discussions included the community’s desire for Israel to return valuable Jewish texts looted during the civil conflict.
Attempts to gather a quorum for prayers were nearly successful but fell short when local Jewish attendees were unavailable. “This is a miracle to be able to be here, and hopefully bigger crowds can come,” Lopatin remarked. Rabbi Hamra dreams of peaceful coexistence and a comfortable life for all who wish to return.
The return of Syrian Jews to Damascus marks a historic moment as they hope to rebuild bridges to their homeland after decades of exile. The invitation by the new Syrian government opens dialogues on restoring community and citizenship while aiming to ease U.S. sanctions. The visit underscores a desire for reconciliation and re-establishing cultural ties in a rapidly changing Syria.
Original Source: www.kazu.org
