Jewish philanthropist plans to return Torah scrolls to Syria

Kahana's efforts began at the onset of the Syrian Civil War, when he worked closely with the Syrian opposition to rescue Jewish religious artifacts from the war-torn country. Among the treasures Kahana saved were sacred objects and an ancient Torah scroll from the historic Jobar Synagogue, also known as the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, located in Damascus. Kahana had promised the rebels at the time that these items would be returned to Syria once the revolution had passed.

The Torah scroll and other sacred artifacts have since been preserved by the Syrian Jewish community in the United States. Now, Kahana plans to make good on his promise by visiting Damascus, where he will return the Torah scroll and help reopen the synagogue.

The delegation, consisting of Syrian Jewish leaders and businesspeople, intends to visit five synagogues in and around Damascus. Although the Jewish population in Syria is now minimal, Kahana believes that many Syrian Jews will want to return and reconnect with their heritage, making the restoration of these synagogues a vital part of preserving Jewish history in the region.

Kahana's initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural and religious ties that connect Jewish communities around the world, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and return sacred artifacts to their places of origin.