By COLlive reporter
A Hezbollah terror rocket struck the Avot Ubanim shul in Haifa on Motzoei Shabbos, just one hour after a Maariv davening had concluded. The building suffered significant damage, but no injuries were reported.
Five people sustained minor injuries as they rushed to bomb shelters during the attack, which involved 10 rockets launched toward the Haifa Bay area, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Some of the rockets were intercepted, but others caused fires and power outages, particularly in the Carmel Center neighborhood.
“All emergency organizations responded swiftly,” Amir Herel, the commander of the Haifa district for the IDF Home Front Command, told Israel Hayom.
“There were no people inside the synagogue at the time of the strike, but nearby residents experienced the effects of the blast. While the physical damage is extensive, including shattered windows and burned vehicles, most of the impact is psychological.”
The barrage was part of a larger escalation, with Hezbollah firing a total of 80 rockets into Israeli territory, the IDF confirmed. On Sunday morning, another 20 rockets were launched at Haifa Bay and the Western Galilee, some intercepted and others landing in open areas. Sirens also blared in Acre and the Upper Galilee.
In one attack on Sunday afternoon, a rocket targeting the Upper Galilee lightly injured an Israeli civilian. Paramedics from Magen David Adom treated the conscious victim on-site.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav commented on the attack: “Residents are proving their resilience time and again. The enemy does not relent, and we remain a primary target. Just an hour earlier, people were praying in the synagogue — this is nothing short of divine protection.”
Rabbi Yehuda Ginzburg, a Chabad Shliach in Haifa, echoed the mayor’s comments. “We thank Hashem for the miracles,” he said. “Many people from our community live nearby, and Boruch Hashem no one was harmed.”
Rabbi Ginzburg said he is working with authorities to determine how best to safeguard the Torahs that remain in the building that is in danger of collapse.
“We are now focused on saving the Sifrei Torah, issuing halachic guidance on what may be removed from the shul, and encouraging the public to give thanks for these great miracles,” he said.
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Thank you Hashem That none were hurt.