Israeli Soldiers Pray In Gaza Synagogue After Two Decades

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

JERUSALEM/GAZA (Worthy News) – Israeli soldiers have prayed in an ancient Gaza synagogue as the first Jews to do so in nearly two decades, several sources confirmed.

The reported prayers came as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) face fierce battles against Hamas, condemned as a terrorist organization by Israel as it seeks the destruction of the Jewish nation.

The IDF declined to give more details, but the synagogue prayer service was confirmed by

Shavei Israel is an Israel-based Jewish group that “encourages people of Jewish descent to strengthen their connection with Israel and the Jewish people.”

Founded by Michael Freund, Shavei Israel locates lost Jews and hidden Jewish communities and “assists them with returning to their roots” and, sometimes, with “aliyah,” the immigration to Israel.

“For the first time in decades, Israeli soldiers prayed in the ancient synagogue in Gaza, which was built in the 6th century,” wrote Freund, who is also a columnist for The Jerusalem Post newspaper. They prayed at the synagogue where “a beautiful mosaic floor depicting King David was unearthed years ago. Jews have returned to Gaza!!,” he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Several other posts suggested that soldiers prayed at the ancient synagogue. The IDF declined to provide photos amid restrictions linked to the ongoing war.

The soldiers prayed after many prayed in the Old City of Jerusalem for the Jewish nation and the return of hostages.

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