Hearing
about the restoration of the “Maghen Abraham”
synagogue in Beiruts downtown really inspires me at the idea of a
unified nation. It comes at a somewhat dark period for Lebanon, with the fear
of Extremist militants bombarding our boarders in the name of a caliphate.
The Synagogue is located in the “Wadi abu
Jamil” district of Centre-Ville, formerly known as “Wadi al Yahoud”, meaning
the Valley of the Jews. This district was actually the center point of the
Jewish community in Lebanon, which appeared to diminish during the countries 30
year civil war.
Lebanon had always been considered a hub
for Jewish settlers in the 1940’s, whilst fleeing Europe and avoiding termination.
But as the life of war moved into Lebanon, the already small society of Jewish
people seemed to become caught in the crossfire’s of a bloody war between
Muslims and Christians, and majority fleeing to America or even back to Europe.
Initially the Synagogue was destroyed
during the Israeli invasion, when Israeli troops had shelled the neighborhood
in order to attack Palestinian troops whom placed throughout Beirut’s districts.
The Synagogue had suffered bombing to the roof, and since left untouched.
The restoration of the synagogue started
in May of 2009, and has recently been finished, with the plan to open its doors
within the year, catering to the small community of Jews living in the country.
I am amazed by the Lebanese government who
had actually agreed with the restoration project. They even received approvals
from other political groups in the country, including the Shiaa Militia group, Hezbollah.
It really does look like there may be some hope for this beautiful country of ours. If we are able to unite together as Jews, Muslims, and Christians, the future of Lebanon may achieve that luxurious title of “the Switzerland of the Middle East” again...
