Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue

Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is a synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt built in the Neo-Gothic style.[1] It is located in Nabi Daniel street. An earlier synagogue was built on the site in 1354,[2] but was bombed and destroyed by the French during their invasion of Egypt in 1798. A new synagogue, the current building, began construction in 1850 with contributions from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty.[3] It is included on the World Monuments Fund's 2018 list of monuments at risk.[4]

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.[5][6] The synagogue was closed for the 5773 (2012) High Holidays because of security reasons.[7]

In 2017, the Egyptian government announced a project to restore the synagogue in a growing move of keeping its Jewish heritage alive.[8] It was rededicated in January 2020, with three Jews present at the ceremony.[9]

See also

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue (Alexandria).
  1. Meddeb, Abdelwahab; Stora, Benjamin (2014). A history of Jewish-Muslim relations : from the origins to the present day. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. p. 282. ISBN 978-1-4008-4913-0. OCLC 857364814.
  2. "Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study – Synagogues Past and Present". Beit Hatfutsot. Archived from the original on 2019-09-26.
  3. Hosni, Yousrya Abdel-Aziz (2010). Alexandria: Historical and Archaeological Guide. American University in Cairo Press. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-977-479-185-7.
  4. "Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue". 2018 World Monuments Watch. World Monuments Fund.
  5. Gazzar, Brenda (23 October 2008). "Alexandria's last Jews sad to see empty shul on Simhat Torah". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2011-02-17.
  6. Aderet, Ofer (June 20, 2012). "Replica of Ancient Egypt Synagogue Arrives at Tel Aviv Museum" – via Haaretz.
  7. "Jewish festivals cancelled at Alexandria synagogue - Politics - Egypt". Ahram Online.
  8. Michaelson, Ruth (September 6, 2017). "'A great project for all Egyptians': Egypt to repair synagogue in city of eight Jews". The Guardian. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  9. "Magnificent synagogue restored in Alexandria". The Jerusalem Post. 2020-01-12. Archived from the original on 2020-01-11. Retrieved 2020-01-12.


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