Turkey's Jews meet at historic Ankara synagogue after 40 years

Isaak Haleva the Chief Rabbi of Jews in Turkey speaks to the press during European Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen`s visit to the Ecumunical Patriarchate of Orthodox in Fener, Istanbul, 09 September 2004. [MUSTAFA OZER/AFP via Getty Images]

After nearly four decades, Jews in Turkey came together at the historic Ankara synagogue to “refresh their memories,” Anadolu reports.

Isaak Haleva, the chief rabbi of Turkey’s Jews, as well as several members of the Jewish community, joined the event in the capital Ankara.

In a speech on the occasion, Haleva said the preservation of synagogues is important for his community in Turkey.

Noting that the Jews could now maintain their social and religious life, he said these synagogues are also used for weddings as well as religious festivals.

Janet and Jak Esim music group played traditional songs at the event.

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