Maghen Abraham Synagogue, Orthodox synagogue in Wadi Abu Jamil district, Lebanon
Maghen Abraham is the main synagogue in Beirut, with white walls, high ceilings, and large windows that flood the central prayer hall with light. The interior features wooden furnishings and a traditional layout designed for communal prayer and worship.
The building opened in 1925 with financial backing from Moise Abraham Sassoon and operated as an active place of worship for decades. It sustained damage during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s and has since undergone restoration.
The synagogue served as a gathering place where the local Jewish community came together for prayer and religious observance. It held deep meaning for residents who considered it a symbol of their presence and belonging in the city.
The building is located in central Beirut and is accessible by public transportation or taxi. Entry generally requires advance notice or arrangement through local organizations familiar with the site.
During the 1975 conflict, armed guards were stationed to protect the building even as different groups controlled the surrounding area. This unusual arrangement reflects how residents valued the site despite the chaos around it.
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