World · Middle East · 14 hrs ago
ADL chief visits Jerusalem synagogue targeted in repeated attacks
Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the US-based Anti-Defamation League, attended Friday night services at Kol Haneshama, a Reform synagogue in Jerusalem.
He visited to show support after the congregation faced four attacks in two months.
The incidents included eggs thrown at the synagogue, a window smashed, a glass plate thrown inside and a pride flag torn down.
Three minors have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
Greenblatt called the harassment indefensible and said no congregation should be targeted for choosing an inclusive form of Judaism.
Attacks have also been reported at other Reform congregations in Israel, raising concern among community leaders about hostility toward Reform Jews.
The sources do not describe any further planned steps.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt attended Friday night services at Kol Haneshama, a Reform synagogue in Jerusalem, in a show of solidarity after repeated attacks.
The synagogue in the Baka neighborhood has been attacked four times over the past two months.
Greenblatt called the vandalism and harassment “indefensible” and said no Jew should feel unsafe because of how they practice Judaism.
Three minors have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
The incidents have raised alarm among Reform leaders and drawn condemnation from President Isaac Herzog and Diaspora Jewish leaders.
- Who
- ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt visited Kol Haneshama with his son and other ADL employees.
- What
- He attended Friday night services in solidarity with the congregation after repeated attacks on the synagogue.
- When
- Friday night, October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Kol Haneshama, in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood.
- Why
- To show solidarity with the congregation and speak out against vandalism and harassment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It is, by any measure, and by any standard, indefensible.
No Jew should feel unsafe because of the way they practice Judaism, full stop.
Any single attack should be enough to spur vocal condemnation from you and other authorities.
An LGBTQ pride flag was torn and one of the synagogue’s windows was smashed.
The synagogue was pelted with eggs.
Vandals threw a glass plate into the building and later ripped down a pride flag; intruders also reportedly brought a dog to the sanctuary.
Greenblatt attended Friday night services at Kol Haneshama.
- Synagogue
- Kol Haneshama, a Reform synagogue in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood
- Attacks
- Four times over the past two months
- Arrests
- Three minors arrested in connection with the attacks
- Visit
- Jonathan Greenblatt attended services on October 9, 2026
Sources
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