The synagogue was impacted during the persecution of the Jews in Iraq and was also damaged during frequent occasions of unrest and wars.

[5][7] A department within the Ministry of National Security was set up to ensure their safety and preservation of Jewish sites.

[11] An incident took place in 1998, on the day of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, when a Palestinian man opened fire, killing four people, including two Jews, at the Baghdad synagogue.

[12] As a precautionary measure, police guards were stationed at the synagogue, and the cabinet released a statement denouncing the shooting incident.

[12] The cabinet emphasized that the Jewish community in Iraq are Iraqis that should not be associated with Zionist activities aimed at disrupting the political, economic, social, and health security of Arab countries.

Al-Bataween has been the only neighborhood in Baghdad which is home to remaining Jews, living alongside Muslims and Christians.

[14] Al-Habibiya Jewish Cemetery is also located nearby, between Shia Muslim neighborhood of Sadr City and Al-Shaheed Monument.

[14] According to a report by The National News, several buildings can be restored as heritage houses to be used for cultural and business activities.

[14] The Meir Taweg Synagogue also consists of a Jewish school, library and community center.

At the top of the main facade of the hall, there is a wooden tablet of the Ten Commandments, above which is the name of God.

[17] Surrounding it are marble panels on which are engraved seven-branched candlesticks and Psalms in Hebrew, and in the middle is a luxurious cabinet containing ancient Torah manuscripts made of gazelle skin.