The recently restored Etz Hayim synagogue in Izmir, Turkey has won a Conservation Award.

Leading project organizer Nesim Bencoya also won a personal award linked to his role as founder of the Sephardi Cultural Festival which has been held annually in Izmir at Chanukah.

The Foundation has been involved with the Etz Hayim synagogue for several years starting from when we first recognized its importance through our ‘Historic Synagogues of Europe’ mapping work – www.historicsynagogueseurope.org – ranking it as one of the 16 most important Jewish heritage sites at risk in Europe. Most recently, the Foundation secured funding to enable further research and preservation work on the ancient wall murals of the synagogue.

(Foundation of Jewish Heritage)