Syrian-American Jewish Leaders Visit Damascus, Told They Are Welcome Back

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In an historic development in the new Syrian regime, a group of American Jewish citizens of Syrian descent recently visited the Jewish cemetery in Damascus. The visit, made possible through a special permit with the assistance of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, included a pilgrimage to the sacred gravesite of Rabbi Chaim Vital, may his merit protect us — the great disciple of the Arizal.

Rabbi Chaim Vital, who studied Torah under the holy Arizal, moved to Damascus after his teacher’s passing. He passed away on the 30th of Nisan in the year 5380 (1620 CE) and was buried in the Jewish cemetery of Damascus. Now, for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime, Jews have been able to visit this sacred site.

Arab media reported that the Jewish delegation included Rabbi Yosef Hamra and Rabbi Asher Lopatin from the Syrian Jewish community in the United States. The group visited the Jewish cemetery, the ancient Jobar Synagogue (which was destroyed by the Assad regime), as well as the Al-Franj and Al-Raki synagogues, and the Ibn Maimon Jewish school.

In an interview with the Turkish Anadolu Agency, Rabbi Yosef Hamra, a former rabbi of Syrian Jewry, shared  his feelings on returning to his home in Damascus after more than three decades of absence.

Rabbi Hamra at synagogue in Damascus

Hamra began his Damascus tour by visiting his old neighborhood and the local synagogues, saying:
“I didn’t recognize the house I built with my own hands, but what has truly changed is the land itself.”

In a heartfelt encounter, a local Syrian warmly welcomed the rabbi back to his homeland and invited him to stay.

“I’ve been working to return to Damascus for a year and a half, but the previous regime made it impossible,” said Hamra. He also called on Jews in the West:
“Come to Syria, see for yourselves — maybe you’ll change your minds and want to return.”

The rabbis meet with Moaz Mustafa

Moaz Mustafa, director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, highlighted the significance of the first Jewish delegation’s return to Syria in 33 years. He added that the new government in Damascus supports the return of all Syrians to their homeland:

“Very few Jews remain in Syria. We want the international community to help rebuild the synagogues and lift sanctions on Syria.”

Mustafa issued a message to Syrian Jews worldwide:
“Your homeland is safe — you can come back.”