In Jerusalem, LGBT-Friendly Reform Synagogue Targeted by Vandals Around Yom Kippur
In late September 2026 in Jerusalem, the Kol HaNeshama Reform synagogue was targeted in three separate incidents of vandalism and harassment before and during the solemn Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. With these latest episodes, the congregation—widely recognized for its egalitarian principles and support for LGBT rights—has endured five hostility-driven incidents in just over a month.
According to a report by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) , the disturbances began on Saturday evening, September 19, on the eve of Yom Kippur, when unknown perpetrators threw breakable objects through a synagogue window, tearing its protective screen. On Sunday night, September 20, following the Kol Nidre evening service, an intruder broke into the sanctuary, tore down a displayed Pride flag, and vandalized a rainbow-colored sign bearing the biblical commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself.” On Yom Kippur morning, two youths arrived with a large dog and derisively demanded to see a female rabbi to arrange a dog bar mitzvah and Torah reading, leaving only when congregants monitoring the premises threatened to call the police.
The holiday incidents followed earlier attacks in August and early September, when vandals previously broke a window, removed a Pride flag, and threw eggs at worshippers arriving for Rosh Hashanah services amid homophobic insults. The congregation provided security footage to law enforcement. Israel Police stated that an active investigation is underway, while Israeli media reported that three local minors were questioned and detained on suspicion of involvement.
In response to the hostility, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion contacted the congregation’s senior rabbi, Oded Mazor, to express municipal concern, while Deputy Mayor Yosi Havilio and City Council member Eran Ben Yehuda joined congregants for the concluding Neila service in solidarity. Knesset member and Reform rabbi Gilad Kariv (The Democrats) condemned the incitement, accusing right-wing and ultra-Orthodox politicians of fostering animosity toward progressive Judaism. Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, reaffirmed that intimidation would not succeed and that progressive synagogues would remain open and welcoming to everyone.
Located in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood, Kehilat Kol HaNeshama is the city’s largest Reform congregation. Reform Judaism advocates for gender equality in religious life, full inclusion of LGBT individuals, and religious pluralism—principles that frequently draw criticism and friction from ultra-Orthodox factions in Israel.
The dynamics surrounding LGBT safety and pluralism in Jerusalem have been examined previously by Urania, including coverage of the closure of Jerusalem’s sole dedicated gay bar and broader political developments ahead of national parliamentary elections .
