From destruction to rebuilding: Construction began this week (12.08) on the shul that was destroyed by a missile strike in Beit Shemesh during the “Am Kelavi” war.

For many years, the shul was an important part of the neighborhood and a central place that brought many local residents together. It will now be rebuilt close to the site where it originally stood. The construction is being carried out by the Beit Shemesh Municipal Economic Company.

Work could begin after issues with Property Tax Compensation (Mas Rechush) were addressed and historical registration issues related to the building were resolved. Mayor Shmuel Greenberg personally worked with the relevant authorities to help move the required approvals forward. Once the process was completed, construction could finally begin.

The first stage will include a temporary structure. The next stage is planned to include a permanent shul and a new bomb shelter.

The missile strike was one of the most painful events experienced by the city during the war. The shul was destroyed, along with the shelter underneath it, and nine Beit Shemesh residents were killed in the attack. The tragedy left a deep sense of loss throughout the city, especially among the residents of the neighborhood and members of the shul community.

One of the main people who worked to make the rebuilding possible was Tzion Revach, the father of Gavriel Revach, who was killed in the tragic attack.

Now, where destruction and rubble once remained, construction is beginning again.

For the neighborhood, rebuilding the shul is about more than simply returning to normal life. It represents recovery, renewal and the strength of the community to rebuild after tragedy.

Mayor Shmuel Greenberg said:

“The start of construction is a meaningful moment for HaNasi Street and for the entire city. This shul was an inseparable part of life in the area, and from the very beginning it was clear to us that it had to be rebuilt. After a long effort to remove the obstacles, we are now moving from words to action and beginning construction. This is our way of giving the community back the home it lost and showing that even after such a devastating attack, Beit Shemesh continues to build, recover and grow.”