Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation

Photos from today at the tomb of Rabbi Chaim Vital who died April 23, 1620

Rabbi Chaim Vital was one of the greatest Kabbalists in our history, the primary disciple of the Arizal, and the one who preserved and transmitted his teachings to the world. His kever in Syria has always held deep significance, especially on the day of his hilula. Last year, when we visited, we discovered that someone had tried to dig near the side of the kever. Because it was the day of his passing, a day of great importance, we made sure to properly cover and protect the grave. Sharing this now to give context to the video and to honor the legacy of Rabbi Chaim Vital.

For decades the Elfrange Synagogue in Damascus remained closed and falling into disrepair. Water leaked through the roof and damaged books. Broken windows allowed birds to nest inside the sanctuary. Dust and debris covered the seats and floors. The courtyard and garden had become overgrown. The restoration, funded by Henry Hamra(JHS) and Salim Hamadani, is now complete. Work included repairing the leaking roof, restoring the bima, polishing the historic copper doors, replacing the red curtains, reinstalling glass in broken windows, and thoroughly cleaning the interior after decades of dust and bird damage. The courtyard and surrounding grounds were also cleared and restored. Today the Elfrange Synagogue is once again clean and ready to receive visitors, preserving an important part of Damascus’ Jewish history.

Our latest story with @NPR with @janearraf of our visit to the remaining Jewish sites in Aleppo, translated to Arabic.

Our latest story with @NPR by @janearraf "I'm calling on all the people who have properties to come and we'll help them find them and give them back to them." - Henry Hamra Listen to it: npr.org/2026/02/03/nx-…

We had a productive meeting with the Syrian Ambassador to the UN, @IbrahimOlabi We discussed concrete ways to support Syria, and the Ambassador highlighted the role the Syrian Jewish community played in repealing the Caesar Act. So much important work remains in Syria, and we are proud to be part of it.

Oleksandra Matviichuk @avalaina, winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for her historic work on human rights in Ukraine, visited Jobar in Damascus, a neighborhood destroyed by the Assad regime and its Russian allies. Ukraine and Syria face the same perpetrators.

Congratulations to our dear friend and supporter of the Syrian Jewish community Ahmad Alkanatri on his appointment as Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic in Washington. Wishing him success as he represents Syria with honor and dedication.

We were honored to meet Ahmed al Ahmed, the Syrian who risked his life to stop an attacker at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia. His actions embody the compassion, courage, and shared heritage that have long connected Syrians of all faiths.

February 27th, 2025 JHS meeting with journalists in-person and virtually in DC right after our first trip back to Syria.

The Syrian Jewish community visiting their historic and holy sites in #Aleppo for the first time in 34 years! This is the new Syria which belongs to all of its people 🇸🇾 The Syrian people are incredibly diverse but all share so much love for each other and for their ancient roots. Everyone should visit #Syria @JHS_Foundation @syrianetf

Tomorrow @realDonaldTrump will sign the NDAA and with it the complete unconditional repeal of the Caesar Act @syrianetf @JHS_Foundation

We are so grateful to the U.S. Congress for passing a full repeal of the Caesar Act. All of Syria can now finally rebuild without the threat of sanctions.

The U.S. Senate officially just passed a full and unconditional repeal of the Caesar Act with no threat of snapbacks. President Trump now has 10 days to sign the bill into law which will make the repeal law.

“I’m glad to see Syria’s government take important steps towards revitalizing Jewish life and preserving history in their country. Syria’s future lies in its ability to grow as a vibrant, multiethnic and tolerant society.” -@SenatorShaheen

Thank you Minister Hind

"The Assad regime would arrest anyone who even met with a Jew or hosted a Jewish person. Today, Syria is finally back to its people, regardless of faith or ethnicity," says Henry Hamra of @JHS_Foundation after Syria registered the first Jewish organization in its history. foxnews.com/world/syria-re…

We would like to thank our partners the @syrianetf snd @GlobalJusticeI for their efforts and to give our sincere gratitude to Syrian Minister Hind Kabawat for her warm welcome and support.

“‘I think the government [is] very, very open for us to start the process of building up, and that’s a great thing,’ Hamra said.” […] “Hamra reiterated to JI his desire to see the repeal of the Caesar Act sanctions” @J_Insider

Check out our latest feature on Jewish Insider @J_Insider @marcrod97: "Historic Handshake: Syrian American rabbi blesses Syrian president in Washington" jewishinsider.com/2025/11/rabbi-…