MERTHYR TYDFIL, Wales (WJC)–The oldest synagogue of Wales, in the United Kingdom, is to be converted into apartments provided planning permission is granted, the ‘Jewish Chronicle’ reports.
The synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil, a town with 30,000 inhabitants, was built in the 1870s. It is currently empty and has been a target for vandals. The neo-Gothic building has been used as a Christian community center and a gym since the synagogue closed in 1983. It is thought to be the only synagogue with a Welsh dragon as part of its architecture.
Now, Warwickshire company Choice Circle plans to turn the building into eight apartments, leaving the outside of the building intact as a historic landmark. One of the conditions of planning permission is that the synagogue’s Magen David-stained glass windows are maintained.
The Jewish population in Wales is currently just over 2,000, having almost halved since the beginning of the 20th century. Only a dozen Jews live in Merthyr Tydfil. The Hebrew Congregation in Swansea closed earlier this year after having less than 20 active members.
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress