For the fortieth time, state-sponsored tractors have destroyed a synagogue that was built near the entrance to Kiryat Arba, near Hevron – and for the forty-first time, construction has commenced on rebuilding it.

Hopefully, said activist Baruch Marzel, this will be the last time.

“Early this morning – really in the middle of the night - the government sent the police to destroy this synagogue,” said Marzel. “They came like thieves in the night to destroy the synagogue of Hazon David, a synagogue that was destroyed already 40 times.

“It was done with tractors that were sent by the Israeli government, by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ya'alon,” said Marzel. “They came to destroy the synagogue because they said it doesn't have the right permits. That it isn't legal. But not far away from here there are some mosques that were built and improved. But no one would dare to destroy a mosque - but they would destroy a synagogue they are willing to do it 40 times.”

Hazon David was built in 2001, in memory of David Hacohen and Chezi Muallem, who were shot dead by terrorists near the entrance to Kiryat Arba. It was never issued a permit for construction, and as a result, the Civil Authority has insisted on destroying it dozens of times.

But the building will eventually be built, Marzel said – and it will remain built. “We will build it again and again and again,” he said. “These kids who are building it here are here are fantastic, they are determined to have a synagogue here and to pray and learn in it. We will win this battle.”