The city of Tel Aviv has decided not to destroy an ancient synagogue located in Yafo.  The city had considered demolishing the synagogue in order to build a community center for local Arabs.

Several rabbis and religious members of Knesset, including MK Aryeh Eldad (NU/NRP) and members of Shas, had promised a harsh response to any plans to destroy the synagogue.  “It’s forbidden according to halacha [Jewish law] to destroy a synagogue, even if it’s old,” one rabbi explained.