Egypt Restores, Reopens Synagogue

The temple of the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, is composed of two structures: the main building, which is the synagogue itself, and a second building allocated to women. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The current Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue was established in 755 AH/1354 AD by the Jewish community in Alexandria. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Visitors curious to see the newly restored Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue line up for a security check on opening day, at 69 Nabi Daniel street, Raml Station in Alexandria, Jan. 10, 2020. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and antiquities puts the total cost of the restoration of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue at about $4 million. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

"It is great that Egypt is taking care of Jewish heritage. This is not only about Jews, but it is also about us Egyptians," said Magda Haroun, head of the Jewish community of Egypt, about the restoration of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

A Jewish school is part of the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, as there used to be a vast Jewish community in Alexandria, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

An antique organ is among the relics at the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

"The reopening (of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue) represents opportunity to show that what unites us is far stronger from what divides us," said U.S. diplomat Dorothy Camille Shea. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

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)

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)

"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)

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)

The restoration of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria brings memories of a bygone era for Yolade Mizrahi, 70. "This opening makes me so happy. Now it looks like how it was more than 50 years ago." (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Dr. Khaled Al-Anany sees the restoration of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue as a sign of a more accepting society. "It is a message that Egypt is restoring its heritage from different eras for mankind." (H. Elrasam/VOA)