Rabbi Asher Lopatin’s Historic Visit to Syria: A Journey of Hope and Reflection

Rabbi Asher Lopatin participated in a historic visit to Syria following a government invitation for Jews to reconnect with their heritage. His experiences highlighted the warmth and kindness of the Syrian people, evoking reflections on past relations and fostering hopes for a future of tolerance and respect. Despite some historical tensions, the visit provided optimism for Syria’s path forward.

Rabbi Asher Lopatin recently participated in a significant visit to Syria, following a government invitation for Syrian Jews to revisit their heritage sites. This initiative was facilitated by the Syrian Emergency Task Force, backed by figures like Dr. Yahya Basha, a Syrian Muslim and advocate for Jewish-Muslim relations. Recognizing the historical and cultural relevance, Rabbi Lopatin sought permission from his wife to join this mission, emphasizing the importance of promoting tolerance and minority protection in Syria.

Rabbi Lopatin’s journey included a crucial role played by Rabbi Yosef Hamra from the Syrian Jewish community in New York. Together with his colleague Daniel Bucksbaum, they flew from Detroit to Damascus amidst challenging weather and travel logistics. Despite previous tensions between Israel and Syria, the reception they experienced during their visit was unexpectedly warm and welcoming, from government officials to local citizens, which left a positive impression on Rabbi Lopatin.

Notably, during the flight to Syria, Rabbi Lopatin inadvertently revealed his Jewish identity by ordering a kosher meal, yet this did not tarnish the warm interactions on board. Upon arrival, the group was greeted with kindness from fellow Syrians, many of whom had not returned in years, enhancing their sense of connection to the land of their heritage.

Their schedule included visits to the Jewish cemetery, where Rabbi Lopatin felt a historical resonance at the burial site of the Kabbalist Rav Chayim Vital. He noted the cemetery’s state as reflective of a larger historical narrative, filled with reverence, though in need of restoration. A humorous encounter with local workers exemplified the camaraderie they felt among the citizens of Damascus.

The visit to the Al-Frej synagogue, where a Torah reading invoked deep emotions, underscored the historical ties shared by the Syrian Jewish community. Rabbi Lopatin reflected on the sorrowful destruction of the Jobar Synagogue as a stark reminder of the regime’s devastation but also noted the fond memories shared by locals about their experiences with Jews.

Ultimately, the trip reaffirmed Rabbi Lopatin’s hope for a future characterized by tolerance, mutual respect, and peace within Syria. He expressed optimism about the direction in which the current government might steer the country, highlighting the importance of fostering unity amidst past divisions. His conclusion resonated with an aspirational sentiment for Syria’s path towards a promising future.

Rabbi Asher Lopatin’s visit to Syria, facilitated by a government invitation, revealed an unexpected warmth and openness from the Syrian people. His experiences underscored the historical ties and cultural significance retained within the Jewish community in Syria. The visit inspired hope for a future marked by tolerance and mutual respect, despite the complex realities currently facing the nation. Ultimately, Rabbi Lopatin’s mission not only deepened connections but also fostered optimism for Syria’s potential journey towards peace and unity.

Original Source: www.thejewishnews.com