Keren Yechoua Synagogue, Moorish Revival synagogue in La Marsa, Tunisia
Keren Yechoua is a synagogue with circular architecture in Moorish style located in La Marsa. The Torah ark and the wooden platform for reading were crafted by local artisans following North African traditional methods.
It was built in 1927 and survived World War II because an American pilot spotted the Star of David and prevented bombing missions from targeting the structure. This act of recognition protected the building during the war years.
The inscriptions here are written in multiple languages and include blessings for the Bey of Tunis, showing how Jewish and Muslim communities were historically linked in this region.
The location in La Marsa, a coastal town near Tunis, is most accessible during warmer months when more visitors are in the area. It is advisable to check opening times in advance, as religious sites can change availability based on prayer schedules.
In 1994 the building lost its original dome during a severe storm, after which the community undertook restoration work that transformed the structure. This reconstruction changed the outer appearance of the building permanently.
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