2500-year-old Jewish presence in Antakya may come to an end

The powerful earthquake that destroyed significant parts of the ancient Turkish city of Antakya may also end the 2500-year-long Jewish existence in the city.

The devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria earlier this week has affected over 23 million people. The death toll has passed 22,000, tens of thousands are injured and countless people have been left without shelter.

The Turkish Jewish Community announced on Friday morning that Saul Cenudioglu, the head of the Jewish community in Antakya, and his wife Tuna have lost their lives under the rubble.

"Along with our [destroyed] Antakya Synagogue, the 2500-year-long Jewish life has come to an end with great pain," the community said on Twitter. "We are in deep pain from losing the veteran president of our Antakya Jewish community, the city's elder brother, symbol, our elder, the exemplary Saul Cenudioglu and his wife, Tuna Cenudioglu, in the Antakya Earthquake." 

Read more in this report by Ragip Soylu:

Turkey earthquake: 2500-year-old Jewish presence in Antakya may come to an end