Palermo will soon have its own synagogue. This decision, initiated by the Municipality of Palermo, was made in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Palermo, the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), and the Jewish community of Naples. The parties have signed a memorandum of understanding as part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing and supporting the Jewish presence in the city.
The place of worship has been identified as the Oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, known as “del Sabato,” currently the church of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. This building is located in the area that historically housed the Jewish quarters of “Guzzetta” and “Meschita.”
In 2017, the church was granted on loan to the Jewish community of Naples. Now, with the protocol signed, the Municipality of Palermo will begin the refurbishment of the oratory in 2025 to transform it into a synagogue.
The signing ceremony, held at the premises of the Curia, was attended by several notable figures, including the Mayor of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla, and Archbishop Corrado Lorefice, representing the Curia. Noemi Di Segni, representing both the UCEI and the Jewish community of Naples, was also present.
The Mayor of Palermo explained that the protocol’s signing “provides decisive operational momentum for the creation of a synagogue in Palermo and, undoubtedly, carries strong symbolic significance, especially during this delicate period of international conflict, with hopes for a swift resolution.”
“With this agreement, for which I thank the sensitivity and willingness of Archbishop Lorefice and the collaboration of the UCEI, Palermo aims to send another message of peace from a city that has always been a meeting place of diverse cultures and religions. The spirit of this agreement is to ensure that this space serves not only as a place of worship for the Jewish community but also as a hub for cultural and social initiatives, combating all forms of antisemitism and preserving memory.”
Tourism Councillor Alessandro Anello stated: “The memorandum of understanding is a significant step in reconnecting the city with the Jewish community during a period unfortunately marked by rising antisemitism, particularly after Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.”
He added: “Palermo has always demonstrated the importance of mutual respect between communities. This collaboration between the Municipality, the Curia, and the UCEI marks a new chapter in fostering further vibrancy in the city.”
(European Jewish Congress
