Egyptian Jewish Community May Cease to Exist
By: Roqaya Zamzam
In 20 years, no Jews will exist in Egypt to preserve the traditions and cultures for upcoming generations, said Magda Haroun, president of the Jewish Community Council (JCC) in a lecture held at AUC last Wednesday.
“My agenda is different than former presidents of the JCC because I believe that now is the time we raise awareness about Egyptians Jews. In no time, [the community will] be extinct and keeping the community closed to itself will lead to the loss of who we really are,” she said.
She added that this is the time where all stereotypes on Jewish Egyptians must be changed; adding that the neglect they receive from the community along with the government has to be brought to an end.
Haroun said that the Jewish community has existed since the sixth century Before Christ (B.C.), adding, “We are not greedy and not all of us are born with pointy noses; we have rights and we deserve acceptance and respect and that is my main concern right now.”
She said that there are no synagogues open for worshipping, which complicates the process of practicing religious beliefs.
She added that the synagogue in downtown lies next to a Salafi mosque and has been closed for security reasons.
“To enter the synagogue, approval must be received from the government since it is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture. Fences and armed forces are ensuring that it remains closed, stopping anyone from getting in,” said Haroun.
Having tens of Jews living in Egypt with the absence of a Rabbi at the moment also hinders the practice of Judaism.
“We don’t have a Rabbi, women can’t lead prayers and to pray at least 10 men are needed. Our community is way smaller than that so we are never able to practice our religion effectively.”
She added that the formation of the State of Israel came with disadvantages to Jewish communities in the Arab states.
“I do believe that the peace treaty came with very bad consequences on the Palestinians and Arab Jews as well. We were looked down upon and exiled from our own lands,” she added.
Explaining that people should live harmoniously and accept differences without relying on political or religious backgrounds, Haroun believes that Israel denies that and abuses the rights of others.
“I don’t mind the Israeli’s rights in owning land but I do refuse the building of their state on the notion of discrimination.”
She added that people should differentiate between Judaism and Zionism to avoid oppressing one on account of the other.
She said that she hopes to build a museum displaying Egyptian Jews’ belongings, which would help in acquainting the masses with the heritage and history of an almost extinct community.
