The synagogue served the few remaining members of the once thriving, 2,300-year-old Jewish community of ancient Antioch (largely composed of descendants of Syrian Jews[2]), and which was one of the world's oldest Jewish communities, that by 2014, had shrunk to fewer than 20 members.[3][4][5]
The building was erected in 1890. Because Antakya is north of Jerusalem, the synagogue is built with the Torah Ark on the southern wall in a semi-circular apse.[6]
The synagogue was badly damaged in the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes.[7] The leaders of the Jewish community were also killed in the earthquake, and the entire Jewish community, numbering 14 members, was evacuated from Antakya.[8][9]