In March 2013, reports surfaced that the synagogue had been burned to the ground during the Syrian civil war, with both government and rebel forces trading blame over which party looted and destroyed the building. However, later during the year photographs were published and a video emerged showing that the synagogue was still standing but had suffered from mortar fire with damage to the ceiling and the bimah. By May 2014 the majority of the structure had been totally demolished with only the right wing remaining. Blame was directed at the Syrian army who mistakenly hit the synagogue while targeting a nearby rebel enclave although some claim rebels were hiding the synagogue complex. Subsequently there has been concern that items from the ruin would be looted and illegally sold. Private funds have been raised in an attempt to restore the synagogue. The restoration project is being undertaken with the approval of the Syrian and Russian governments.
