The dictator was gone. The new Islamist rulers had yet to fully stamp their authority on the city and the country. It seemed an ideal time. The Jewish Quarter of Damascus is located in the old city. There were 50, Jews in Syria at the beginning of the 20th century β an ancient and historic community dating to antiquity. The Jews of Syria were divided by city origin, with two old communities β Damascus and Aleppo β maintaining a rivalry. A third, newer community had been established later in Qamishli, in the Kurdish-majority northeast.
Of these, the Jews of Aleppo and Qamishli have departed in their entirety. The seven or eight elderly Jewish residents of Damascus are the last remnant. The exact number is disputed. The Central Synagogue of Aleppo in January I had read that one of the three synagogues of the neighborhood, the Elfrange, still had services.
I had the vague idea that I might arrive for the Saturday morning prayers and make the acquaintance of whomever I might find there.
It took us a while to find the entrance to the synagogue. When we did, the door was padlocked. No one was around. You see that black iron door? No answer again. Stay updated with the latest news! Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post Newsletter. Subscribe Now.
