Rabbi Binyamin Hamra, the chief rabbi of the Syrian Jewish community in Israel, has reached out to Syria�s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, congratulating him on his victory over the Assad regime and urging the preservation of Syria�s dwindling Jewish community and its historical sites.

In his letter, Hamra noted the deep roots of Syria�s Jewish population, describing it as an �integral part of the rich and diverse fabric of the Syrian people� for thousands of years. Despite being a small minority, he noted, the Jewish community contributed to the nation�s cultural tapestry.

�Throughout Syria are historical sites, ancient synagogues, and tombs of great Jewish leaders, which constitute cultural and religious heritage for Jews throughout the world,� Hamra wrote.

Rabbi Hamra�s plea comes as Syria emerges from over a decade of civil war, during which the country�s Jewish landmarks, including the famed Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Damascus, suffered significant destruction.

�Its destruction caused great sorrow to millions of Jews and Muslims around the world who believe that a great blessing flows from this place to all of Syria,� Hamra wrote, urging al-Sharaa to oversee its restoration. �The restoration of the cave would be an act of great kindness and symbolize the unity of the peoples and their respect for a common heritage.�

Hamra called on al-Sharaa to ensure the protection of the nine Jews remaining in Syria and to prioritize the preservation of Jewish historical sites.

Expressing hope for a new era of tolerance, Hamra envisioned a Syria that is �multicultural, tolerant and inclusive, where every religious group and ethnic minority can live in peace and safety.�

The letter follows a meeting between a representative of al-Sharaa�s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and Bakhour Chamntoub, the leader of Syria�s small Jewish community. HTS assured Chamntoub of �peace and security� for Syria�s Jews and extended an invitation for those in exile to return.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)