Israeli-Arab businessmen who were asked to give an estimate to help repair damage caused to a synagogue in Haifa due to the massive fires there have said they will carry out the project pro-bono, and refuse any compensation for the restoration work.

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"I decided to help and not receive any payment," said Walid abu-Ahmed, a wood panel supplier based in Haifa.

"Jews and Arabs live together in Haifa, and there is no discrimination. We must continue with this co-existence and promote peace."

Rabbi Hiyon personally thanking abu-Ahmed (Photo: Mohammad Shinawi)

The third floor of the conservative Moriah synagogue in the Ahuza area of the city was burned in the fires which raged there on Thursday.

The Rabbi of the synagogue, Dovi Hiyon, was also looking for new wooden tables to replace the ones which were destroyed in the fire. He went to carpenter Shachar Sela, who agreed to work pro-bono, but wanted payment for the materials.





Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

The carpenter went to several wood suppliers before reaching out to abu-Ahmad and Ziad Yunis. When abu-Yunis heard what the wood was to be used for, he decided to give the wood free of charge.

"I had tears in my eyes when I heard what was happening," Rabbi Hiyon said. "It was so emotional to hear that Muslims were asking to donate to a Jewish synagogue. I've invited them to evening prayers to personally thank them."

Burnt pages from the Synagogue (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Rabbi Hiyon with the synagogue in ruins (Photo: Rabbi Dovi Hiyon)

Gadi Gvaryahu, Chairman of Tag Meir – an organization which encourages inter-faith dialogue – said "we need to extend our outreach to the majority of the Israeli-Arab population which is interested in co-existence. The wood supplier and the carpenter are a better representation of the Israeli-Arab population than the extremists."

Abu-Ahmed added that Islam is a religion of forgiveness.

"We are all people," he said. "I call on all citizens – Arabs and Jews everywhere – to continue to live in co-existence. We all want to live happy lives.