Destruction of Tehran Synagogue Amid US-Israel Strikes

A synagogue in Tehran was completely destroyed during airstrikes attributed to the US and Israel, resulting in significant casualties and damage. The Rafi-Nia Synagogue, a key site for the Jewish community, was devastated, prompting outrage from local leaders. As the conflict escalates, the death toll continues to rise across Iran and neighboring regions. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and humanitarian impact of the conflict, raising concerns about the safety of minority communities in the area. Read on for more details about the strikes and their aftermath.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 17:57 IST

Tehran Synagogue Hit in Overnight Attacks

Reports from Iranian media indicate that a synagogue in Tehran was entirely demolished during recent airstrikes attributed to the United States and Israel. The Rafi-Nia Synagogue, located in central Tehran, was reportedly destroyed, as stated by the Shargh newspaper, which referenced initial reports. According to the semi-official Mehr news agency, the destruction occurred when a projectile struck a nearby residential building.

Images from the site revealed civil defense personnel sifting through debris, with Hebrew texts scattered across the ground. The narrow streets surrounding the area intensified the blast's effects, causing significant damage to adjacent structures. There has been no immediate confirmation of casualties at the synagogue, as reported by various news outlets.

In a video released by state-run IRIB News, Homayoun Sameh, a Jewish representative in Iran’s parliament, expressed outrage over the incident. He stated, “The Zionist regime displayed no compassion towards our community during the Jewish holidays, targeting one of our ancient and sacred synagogues.” He lamented that the synagogue was completely ruined, leaving Torah scrolls buried beneath the rubble.

Judaism is recognized as one of the minority religions in Iran, which hosts a small Jewish population. Although precise figures are lacking, estimates suggest that a few thousand Jews remain in the country, many having emigrated following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Rafi-Nia Synagogue was noted as a significant gathering spot for Jews from the Khorasan region.

These strikes were part of a broader series of US-Israeli operations overnight, resulting in at least 15 fatalities across Iran, according to local media. Reports indicate that six bodies were retrieved from the rubble in Pardis, a city located east of Tehran.

Local authorities reported that nine individuals lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential area in Shahriar, situated in western Tehran province. Concurrently, Israel launched a new series of attacks on Iran early Tuesday, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors. A confrontation occurred outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, resulting in the deaths of two assailants and the capture of a third, with one police officer sustaining injuries.

Since the onset of the conflict, over 1,900 individuals have died in Iran, although the government has not updated the casualty figures in several days. In Lebanon, the death toll exceeds 1,400, with more than 1 million people displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have also been reported dead. In the Gulf Arab states and the West Bank, fatalities have surpassed two dozen, while 23 deaths have been recorded in Israel, along with 13 US service members.