Jubar Synagogue

Located in the eastern suburb of Damascus, this is considered the oldest Jewish monument in Syria. Tradition dates back to 720 BCE when the Prophet Elijah found refuge in a cave beneath the site, but the structure standing prior to its destruction dates from a comprehensive Ottoman renovation in 1815 CE, which left behind colored marble columns and a wooden ceiling painted with botanical motifs. The synagogue was a focal point for religious and commercial life، French archival documents confirm that Jewish caravans from Aleppo and Homs annually made pilgrimages on the holiday of Lag BaOmer to pray at the sacred cave and seek healing. The site was distinguished by a silver-inlaid Torah ark and a mosaic floor with geometric patterns, parts of which were transferred to the National Museum of Damascus in 1972.