Egypt has reopened the historic Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, whose roots can be traced to the 14th century. The building had been closed for renovations following a partial collapse. Its reopening is hardly a sign of a Jewish resurgence, since few Jews remain in Egypt after most left 60 years ago in the face of hostilities. Only three Jews turned out at the January 2020 re-inauguration. Cairo photojournalist Hamada Elrasam gives us a peek inside the magnificent stone structure whose beauty and splendor gives visitors a sense of what was once one of the world's most vibrant Jewish communities.
Egypt Restores, Reopens Synagogue
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The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, was rebuilt in 1850 during the reign of Abbas Helmy I, after being pummeled by Napoleon’s cannons. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Magda Haroun, head of the Jewish community of Egypt, inspects the restoration work in the 14-century Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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"I'm so happy for this opening and recognition, but Jews are very few here in Egypt," Albert Arie, 90, said of the restoration of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria. "I think it will be perfect for tourism." (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Egyptian government officials, along with diplomats, media, and a very small number of Egyptian Jews, attended the reopening of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, Jan. 10, 2020. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)