Video shows Syria’s ancient synagogue destroyed by regime forces

One of the oldest synagogues in the world was destroyed Friday by Syrian regime forces in the Damascus district of Jobar.

A video posted online by the Syrian opposition military council shows the synagogue severely damaged after shelling in the area by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

The Jobar synagogue was reportedly built in commemoration of the biblical prophet Elijah, with centuries of Jewish pilgrimage.

Syria’s civil war has caused damage to six World Heritage sites in the country with shelling and open fire between opposition fighters and the regime forces. Numerous historic buildings, archaeological sites and residential areas are being left in ruins.

On 30 March 2012, UNESCO called for the protection of Syria’s cultural heritage sites and expressed “grave concern about possible damage to precious sites.”