Approximately two thirds of the old city was in some way damaged, including the synagogue, where shells and grenades hit the adjacent buildings in 1991, shattering the windows of the sanctuary and Jewish Community Headquarters. In 1992, an artillery shell hit through the roof of the synagogue, causing the congregation to pack up over 80 items to send to the Yeshiva University museum, which included a 13th-century Torah and silver ornaments and textiles. After the war ended, a legal battle ensued between a Manhattan doctor Michael Papo, former president of Dubrovnik community and a direct descendant of Tolentino family, and at the time leader of the Dubrovnik Jewish community late Dr. Bruno Horowitz and the state of Croatia over the synagogue's treasures; eventually, a court ruled in 1998 that the treasures be returned to Dubrovnik.
Approximately two thirds of the old city was affected in some way, including the synagogue, which suffered damage from artillery fire and grenades in 1991, breaking windows at the sanctuary and Jewish Community Headquarters. In 1992, a shell exploded through the roof of the synagogue, prompting the congregation to gather over 80 items for transport to the Yeshiva University museum, featuring a 13-century Torah and silver decorations and textiles. Following the war's end, a lawsuit emerged between Manhattan doctor Michael Papo, former president of Dubrovnik community and Tolentino family descendant, and at that time leader of the Dubrovnik Jewish community late Dr. Bruno Horowitz and Croatia over the synagogue's artifacts; ultimately, a court decided in 1998 that these treasures should be returned to Dubrovnik.