Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue

Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is a synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt. It is located in Nabi Daniel street. Built in 1354,[1] it was bombed by the French during their invasion of Egypt in 1798, and was re-built in 1850 with contributions from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty.[2] It is included on the World Monuments Fund's 2018 list of monuments at risk.[3]

Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
كنيس النبي إلياهو
בית הכנסת אליהו הנביא
Street view of synagogue exterior
Religion
AffiliationOrthodox Judaism
RiteSephardic
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusRe-opened in 2020
Location
LocationNabi Daniel Street
Alexandria, Egypt
Geographic coordinates31°11′56″N 29°54′01″E

Although services are still held in the synagogue, it now caters to a very small community due to the dwindling number of Jews in Alexandria.[4][5] The synagogue was closed for the 5773 (2012) High Holidays because of security reasons.[6]

In 2017 the Egyptian government announced a project to restore the synagogue in a growing move of keeping its Jewish heritage alive.[7] It was rededicated in January 2020, with three Jews present at the ceremony.[8]

See also

References
  1. "Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study – Synagogues Past and Present". Beit Hatfutsot.
  2. Hosni, Yousrya Abdel-Aziz (2010). Alexandria: Historical and Archaeological Guide. American University in Cairo Press. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-977-479-185-7.
  3. "Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue". 2018 World Monuments Watch. World Monuments Fund.
  4. Gazzar, Brenda (23 October 2008). "Alexandria's last Jews sad to see empty shul on Simhat Torah". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2011-02-17.
  5. Aderet, Ofer (June 20, 2012). "Replica of Ancient Egypt Synagogue Arrives at Tel Aviv Museum" – via Haaretz.
  6. "Jewish festivals cancelled at Alexandria synagogue - Politics - Egypt". Ahram Online.
  7. Michaelson, Ruth (September 6, 2017). "'A great project for all Egyptians': Egypt to repair synagogue in city of eight Jews" – via The Guardian.
  8. "Magnificent synagogue restored in Alexandria". The Jerusalem Post. 2020-01-12. Retrieved 2020-01-12.


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