Israel burying synagogue in evacuated settlement
Israeli forces today began burying a synagogue in an evacuated West Bank settlement, a week after a contentious government decision not to destroy synagogues in Gaza settlements following pressure from rabbis.
The Sanur synagogue is to be covered in earth after it was determined that it could not be dismantled, the Defence Ministry said.
Sanur was one of four settlements in the northern part of the West Bank that were emptied in August, along with all 21 Gaza settlements, in Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s “disengagement” plan.
Israeli officials said the synagogue should be completely buried by tomorrow, and then Israeli forces still in the area would be able to leave.
The Defence Ministry said burying the synagogue was the best technical solution for a difficult situation. Burying the building could be seen as an acceptable alternative to tearing it down. Torah scrolls and other holy items were removed before the settlers left.
Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip last Monday, ending 38 years of military occupation, after the government voted overwhelmingly against destroying the Gaza Strip synagogues.
The government reversed a previous decision following heavy pressure from rabbis and despite a Supreme Court decision allowing the razing of the buildings. Critics of the decision said Israel was setting a trap for the Palestinians, who said they did not want the buildings and could not protect them. Several synagogues were burned by celebrating Palestinians just hours after Israel’s pullout.
The synagogue at another evacuated West Bank settlement, Ganim, is to be dismantled and move to Israel, defence officials said.
