The synagogue was inaugurated after undergoing a massive renovation.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo on Thursday, according to a statement made by the Egyptian cabinet.

The synagogue, which is one of the oldest in Egypt, was constructed in the 12th century but has just completed a new renovation.

Madbouly, accompanied by a number of other government officials, had earlier in the day inspected other renovated archaeological and heritage sites in Cairo.Top ArticlesRead More

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History of the synagogue

The synagogue was named after a Jewish biblical commentator and philosopher from the Middle Ages, Abraham ben Meir Ibn Ezra.

The site contains the Cairo Geniza, a collection of texts and scrolls that give an exclusive insight into the history of Egypt’s Jewish community.

Interior of the Ben Ezra Synagogue from the upper gallery, 2020. (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Renovations made to the synagogue 

The temple’s ceiling underwent a number of measures to help prevent its collapse, the Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Issa said in a statement.

Additionally, the building was also provided with insulation, cleaning, and precious stones at the site received treatment.

Ben Ezra Synagogue (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

The lighting system was given an update, and copper and iron elements were given the necessary treatment to bring out their shine. The library was also heavily restored.