Jobar was once an agricultural suburb that evolved into an urban district northeast of Damascus, known for its historical significance—including the ancient Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue—and for being a commercial and residential hub. After 2013 it became a major frontline between government forces and opposition factions, resulting in mass displacement and near-total destruction of its infrastructure.

Jobar’s significance is both historical and strategic. Historically, it was one of Damascus’s old suburbs and home to the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, a major pilgrimage site for centuries. It also formed part of the agricultural belt of the Ghouta oasis. Strategically, during the war, its proximity to the Old City and major road networks turned it into a critical frontline. Jobar once included important mosques, marketplaces, and residential and commercial structures serving thousands of residents, making its recovery crucial for restoring life to eastern Damascus.

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