Ancient Jewish synagogue in Damascus looted, burned

Like much of Syria’s rich cultural heritage, the ancient Jobar Synagogue of Damascus fell prey to looting and burning in the two-year conflict. Traditionally built by the biblical prophet Elishah, many great rabbinical scholars held court there over the centuries. A bullet-marked plaque near the damaged door reads: “Shrine and Synagogue of Prophet Eliahou Hanabi, Since 720 B.C.”