One of Romania’s most important Jewish landmarks has reopened its doors after years of restoration. On 3 June 2026, the Great Ashkenazi Synagogue of Constanța was officially rededicated during a ceremony attended by leaders of the Romanian Jewish community, government representatives, local authorities, diplomats and religious figures.
Among those present were Silviu Vexler, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, Israeli Ambassador Lior Ben Dor, representatives of the Romanian Government, and leaders of the local Jewish and Muslim communities. The ceremony marked the culmination of a long effort to preserve a key symbol of Romania’s Jewish heritage.
Built between 1910 and 1914 in a distinctive Moorish architectural style, the synagogue once served the thriving Jewish community of the Black Sea port city. During the Second World War it was used as a military warehouse, and in the decades that followed it fell into severe disrepair, eventually becoming one of the most endangered Jewish heritage sites in the country. The restoration project was made possible through funding from the Romanian state and years of advocacy led by Silviu Vexler and the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, who worked to ensure the preservation of this historic monument.
The reopening of the Constanța Synagogue is more than the restoration of a building. It represents a commitment to safeguarding Jewish heritage, preserving the memory of communities that helped shape Romania’s history, and ensuring that future generations can learn from that legacy. Once again standing proudly in the heart of Constanța, the synagogue now serves as both a place of remembrance and a symbol of the resilience and continuity of Jewish life in Romania.
