One of the oldest synagogues in the world was destroyed in the Damascus district of Jobar by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad.

According to The Jerusalem Post, a video posted online by the Syrian opposition shows extensive damage done to the outside of the 2,000-years-old synagogue after shelling in the area by the Syrian army.

The Jobar synagogue was built atop a cave that according to tradition was used by prophet Elijah to conceal himself from prosecution. The synagogue is said to have been built by the prophet Elisha and repaired during the first century by Eleazar ben Arach.