The Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States, an umbrella group representing Jewish religious leaders across Muslim-majority countries, issued a strong condemnation of what they called an “attack on shared human heritage.
In a statement, the alliance expressed “deep shock and sadness” over the desecration, urging the Syrian government to “immediately secure Jewish religious sites, cemeteries, and synagogues, and ensure their protection.”
“Jews have lived in Syria for thousands of years and have been an integral part of its social and historical fabric,” the statement read. “The desecration of Rabbi Chaim Vital’s tomb is not merely an attack on a Jewish religious site; it is an affront to the broader principles of religious and cultural diversity in the Middle East.”
Despite growing calls for action, the Syrian government had not issued an official statement at the time of this report.
Observers view the desecration not as an isolated incident but as part of a broader pattern of neglect—and in some cases, deliberate destruction—of Jewish religious sites in Syria. Once home to a thriving Jewish community, Syria’s Jewish population has dwindled to near extinction due to decades of persecution, conflict, and emigration.
The Alliance warned that if protective measures are not implemented, more Jewish heritage sites could face similar threats.
Bkhour Shamantoub, a representative of the few remaining Jews in Damascus, voiced his “deep distress” over the vandalism and called for “swift and decisive” government action to protect sacred sites.
“These places are part of Syria’s heritage, not just the Jewish community’s,” Shamantoub said. “An attack on them is an attack on all of our shared history.”
A Syrian General Security official, Mohammad Ahmad, said that authorities had inspected the damaged site and launched an investigation.
“It appears that the act was motivated by theft,” Ahmad said. “We are pursuing those responsible, who will be brought to justice. Such actions are categorically unacceptable and harm the social fabric of Syria.”
Ahmad emphasized that the Syrian government is committed to protecting all religious and cultural sites, reflecting Syria’s diverse historical identity.
The tomb of Rabbi Chaim Vital holds immense religious and cultural significance—not only for Jews but for all who value the religious history of the Middle East.
Vital’s writings, including the seminal Etz Chaim (Tree of Life) and Sha’ar HaGilgulim (Gate of Reincarnations), remain foundational texts in the study of kabbalah. His legacy continues to influence generations of Jewish scholars and mystics.
The cemetery housing his tomb is located in one of Damascus’s oldest districts, alongside burial grounds of significant figures from multiple faiths, making the site a vital piece of shared cultural memory.
Ghina Jalinbo, a religious freedom advocate, said that protecting such sites should be seen not merely as a religious obligation but as a universal cultural responsibility.
“There should be independent oversight committees dedicated to safeguarding religious heritage sites,” Jalinbo said. “We need greater cooperation with international heritage organizations to restore and maintain these sites, and we must launch local awareness campaigns to promote a culture of respect for religious diversity.”
She emphasized the importance of proactive measures by the Syrian authorities, warning that failure to act risks further erosion of Syria’s rich, multi-religious history.
In a country still reeling from years of conflict, the need to protect what remains of its religious and cultural treasures has never been more urgent. This includes safeguarding the legacy of minority communities that have historically been an essential part of Syria’s mosaic society.
Activists and international organizations hope that the desecration of Rabbi Chaim Vital’s tomb will serve as a wake-up call—prompting serious and immediate efforts not only to repair the physical damage but also to foster a broader ethos of inclusivity and respect.
As calls for action grow louder, all eyes are on Damascus: Will the Syrian authorities act decisively to preserve their multifaith heritage before it is irretrievably lost?
