US-Israeli strike destroys Tehran synagogue; Iran says Torah scrolls lost
A central Tehran synagogue was leveled in a pre-dawn US-Israeli airstrike, Iran says, with Hebrew-language books found amid the rubble and a Jewish lawmaker saying Torah scrolls were buried under debris. The incident comes as the US and Israel intensify strikes across Iran and as Washington presses Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Apr 7, 2026, 7:33 AM EDT
Why it matters:
- The destruction of a historic synagogue in Tehran underscores the widening reach of the US-Israeli campaign and the risks to minority religious sites in Iran. It also adds a sensitive flashpoint amid US pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Driving the news:
- A pre-dawn US-Israeli airstrike on Tuesday leveled the Rafi-Nia Synagogue in central Tehran, Iranian media reported. Footage showed Hebrew-language prayer books scattered among the rubble.
- Iranâs semi-official Mehr news agency said the synagogue was destroyed when an adjacent residential building was hit, with nearby structures also severely damaged due to narrow streets.
- Homayoun Sameh, a Jewish representative in Iranâs parliament, said the synagogue was âcompletely destroyedâ and that Torah scrolls were left under the rubble.
State of play:
- The strike occurred during Passover, one of Judaismâs most important holidays, according to Iranian officials.
- Israelâs Diaspora Affairs Ministry said reports on the extent of damage were conflicting, but acknowledged visible damage to the site based on video footage.
- An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that âIsrael doesnât target synagogues,â while the prime ministerâs office said Israel is striking âterror infrastructureâ and Iran is firing at civilians.
By the numbers:
- At least 15 people were killed in overnight US-Israeli strikes across Iran, local media reported, including six bodies recovered in Pardis and nine in Shahriar.
- Iranâs Jewish community is estimated at roughly 8,000 to 10,000 people, primarily in Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan.
What theyâre saying:
- âThe Zionist regime showed no mercy towards this community during the Jewish holidays and attacked one of our ancient and holy synagogues,â Homayoun Sameh said in a video posted by Iranâs IRIB News.
- âUnfortunately, during this attack, the synagogue building was completely destroyed and our Torah scrolls were left under the rubble,â he added.
- âIran is firing missiles at civilians, Israel is striking terror infrastructure. Missiles on civilians versus precision strikes on terror targets. Thatâs the difference,â the Israeli prime ministerâs office said.
What to watch:
- Whether the US and Israel adjust targeting to avoid religious sites as the campaign continues, and how Tehran responds to the synagogue strike.
- President Donald Trumpâs deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which he set for 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, with threats to strike Iranian infrastructure if it is not lifted.
The bottom line:
- A historic Tehran synagogue was destroyed in a US-Israeli strike, with Iran saying Torah scrolls were lost and Israel denying it targets synagogues as the war intensifies and pressure mounts on the Strait of Hormuz.