Egypt Restores Historic Synagogue, But Few Jews Remain

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People visit Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, re-opened three years after the Egyptian government started the renovations of the synagogue originally built in 1354. (AP Photo/Hamada Elrasam)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (AP) — Egypt reopened a historic synagogue on Friday in the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria after a yearslong government renovation.

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But only a handful of Jews remain from Egypt’s once-thriving community, most of them elderly. The country’s Jews largely left more than 60 years ago amid the hostilities between Egypt and Israel.

The two-story Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue in Alexandria partially collapsed in 2016. Antiquities officials said the renovations, which began the following year, prevented it from becoming a total loss.

The site has a long history. An earlier synagogue dating to 1354 AD was built in the same location, and the current building dates to roughly 1881, when the Jewish community was large and influential. Marble floors and rose-colored columns line the main hall.

People visit Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, re-opened three years after the Egyptian government started the renovations of the synagogue originally built in 1354. (AP Photo/Hamada Elrasam)

People attend the opening of Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, three years after the Egyptian government started the renovations of the synagogue originally built in 1354. (AP Photo/Hamada Elrasam)

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Jewishguy
Jewishguy
4 years ago

I thought the Torah prohibits living in egypt

Annie Oakley
Annie Oakley
4 years ago

Here come Pesach groups and Chabad shlichim.