Nisanit's synagogue taken apart
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Synagogue dismantled, soldiers weep
Nisanit residents take down local synagogue in somber ceremony; soldiers present cannot hold back emotions
In a somber and emotional ceremony, IDF soldiers dismantled the synagogue in the Gaza settlement of Nisanit as local residents stood by and watched.
Soldiers weep during dismantling of synagogue (Photo: Tsafrir Abayov)
“It was a heart-wrenching event. The soldiers who came to help would go outside every once in a while to cry. They deserve a medal- they carried out the task with emotion and care,” Nisanit resident Yair Yaakoby said.
“The residents stood around the synagogue and wept. There was no violence. The settler representatives cooperated with the soldiers and explained to them how to pack up the religious items.”
Nisanit resident Zilber Maman was also present at the ceremony.
“I am a traditional Jew, so for me the dismantling of the synagogue is meaningful. It is like the last stake of the evacuation,” he said.
The first synagogue built in Nisanit remains standing.
On Tuesday the residents plan to hold a farewell ceremony, during which they will lower the flags and march out of the settlement. The few families that remain are seeking alternative housing solutions with the authorities’ assistance.
