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Paris Grande Synagogue: 'We will stay open no matter what'

January 29, 2015 11:40
The scene at the Grande Synagogue earlier this month as leaders attended a memorial service for those killed

By

Naomi Firsht,

Naomi Firsht

1 min read

The façade of Paris's Grande Synagogue rises 36 metres into the sky, and with its ornate arches, domed roof and 1,800-seat capacity it is the largest in France. It has been symbolic of the capital's Jewish community since it opened its doors in 1874.

Jacques Canet, the synagogue president, is well aware of its status - it was part of the reason he ensured services continued despite advice from the Interior Minister and police to shut synagogues on the Shabbat following the Hyper Cacher attack.

"If you shut the synagogue then it means it's the end of the world. During the Second World War we stayed open until the Rosh Hashanah of 1943," Mr Canet said.

"On the Shabbat after Hyper Cacher we had even more people than usual. They came to show their solidarity. We will stay open no matter what happens."

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