On February 14, 1945 Prague became the target of an unexpected American air raid. Vinohrady was the worst hit district.
The Vinohrady synagogue, filled with furniture, was struck and started to burn. Reportedly, it was forbidden to put out the fire, but the fact is that many Prague fire brigades were sent to help the burning city of Dresden. The nave of the synagogue burnt out completely, only both side wings stayed intact.
Photograph of burning Vinohrady synagogue by unknown photographer, collection of Martin Šmok