The welfare organization Amalia reports that the central shul in Aleppo (Chalab), Syria, one of the most ancient synagogues in the entire world, is being threatened with demolition. The report, adjoined with a unique photo, was received together with the news of the completion of a military cordon around the city by Assad's forces and an escalation of the fighting between the government forces and the rebels in the city. The organization is calling upon the Jewish public to send funds to at least rescue the sifrei Torah and other tashmishei kedusha contained therein.
The danger of demolition hovering over this historic landmark, which has suffered many direct bombs in the past and recent present, stems from its proximity to many army outposts and the sharpshooters of the Opposition, making it a direct target from both sides which may eventually end in its total destruction.
In light of this peril, many efforts have been made by Amalia to at least salvage the interior contents before the major fighting takes place due to its cordoning off by the government forces.
