Great Synagogue (Copenhagen)

Great Synagogue
The Great Synagogue in 2009
Basic information
Location	Krystalgade 12 Copenhagen, Denmark
Geographic coordinates	55°40′52″N 12°34′24″E / 55.68112°N 12.57346°E / 55.68112; 12.57346
Architectural description
Architect(s)	Gustav Friedrich Hetsch
Completed	1833

The Great Synagogue is the main synagogue of the Jewish community in Copenhagen, Denmark. The synagogue is defined by its unique architecture around the Ark. During the first half of the 19th century, synagogues continued to be built in the classical tradition, but there began to be a revival of Greek and Roman architecture. The Great Synagogue in Copenhagen is one of a few synagogues of its period to use Egyptian elements in the columns, ceiling and cornice over the ark.

During World War II, the Torah scrolls of the synagogue were hidden at the Trinitatis Church and were returned to the synagogue after the war.

On 22 July 1985, the synagogue was struck by a bomb placed by Palestinian terrorists. While no people were injured in the attack on the synagogue, a second bomb placed by the same group destroyed the Copenhagen offices of the American Northwest Orient Airlines, killing one person and injuring 26. Several Arabs residing in Europe, among them Mohammed Abu Talb, were later convicted for these and other attacks.

A shooting occurred outside the synagogue on 15 February 2015, killing a Jewish community member, who had been providing security, and wounding two Danish Security and Intelligence Service police officers who were shot in the arms and legs.

"Synagogue". Encyclopaedia Judaica. Jerusalem: Keter. 965-07-0250-4.