At an official invitation… Syrian Jews return with their rabbi after 33 years of absence

At the official invitation of the Syrian authorities, Syrian Rabbi Joseph Hamra returned to Damascus after 33 years of his departure, which was under exceptional circumstances accompanied by major political and social changes.

During his visit, he toured several Jewish historical sites, including the Jobar Synagogue, which is considered one of the oldest and most important Jewish temples in Syria, in addition to the Maimonides School and two other synagogues.

Rabbi Hamra expressed his happiness to return to Syria and relive his memories, while a Syrian official stated that the delegation members came to relive their memories, recover their property, and discuss matters with the new government.

In 1992, Syria saw more than 5,000 Jews leave after the Madrid talks, many of them settling in the United States and Europe, ending a long era of Jewish presence in the country, which had one of the oldest Jewish communities in the Middle East.

Once home to some 30,000 Jews, by the end of the 20th century that number had fallen to just eight in Damascus and Aleppo.

This is not the first visit by Syrian Jews residing in the United States, as back in November 2021, 12 Syrian Jews who left the country as children and teenagers and lived in the Brooklyn neighborhood of New York visited the country.

They returned on a visit encouraged by the Syrian regime, where they toured the neighborhoods of Damascus.

One of the participants in the visit told the Israeli Kan News channel that the purpose of the trip was to undergo dental examinations and treatment, given the low cost in Syria compared to the United States.

He added that they met with the last three Jews living in Damascus, noting that the visit was private and not linked to any political motives, although they received a request to meet with Syrian officials, which did not happen.

Participants in the visit explained that they were warmly received by the locals, who welcomed them by saying, “Welcome, this is your country, why don’t you come back?”

In September 2021, another delegation of American Jews visited Aleppo, where they visited the synagogue that was restored by opponents of the Syrian regime after the war.