Timeline of Jewish Presence
View chronological details of Jewish life and presence in Egypt.
- 597 BCE
Following the destruction of the Kingdom of Judah, Jews take refuge in Egypt.
- 495 BCE
Jewish soldiers are stationed in Egypt to protect the Achaemenid Empire.
- 332 BCE
A notable portion of the population in Alexandria is comprised of Jews.
- 115-117 BCE
Jewish community in Alexandria is virtually wiped out by Trajan’s army during a revolt.
- 969
Establishment of Talmudic schools in Egypt and general favorable attitude toward the Jews.
- 1166
The famous Sephardic philosopher Maimonides (Rambam) settles in Egypt and becomes a well respected physician.
- 1805-1956
Jews in Egypt contribute to the development of finance and banking, commerce, industry, urban development, culture and sports in Egypt.
- 1922
Under British rule, Egypt is friendly toward Jews, although Jews are denied citizenship about 90% of the time. Jews who are being persecuted in Europe immigrate to Egypt and the population increases to 80,000 Jews.
- 1938
Beginning of massive anti-Jewish demonstrations in Egypt as a result of a contribution made to the Yishuv in Israel.
- 1945
Anti-Jewish riots erupt.
- 1948
Height of Jewish splendor in Egypt.
- 1952
Black Saturday begins as a demonstration against the British but then turns into riots against Jews with the destruction of 500 businesses, leaving many Jews dead or wounded.
- 1956
After the invasion of France, Britain and Israel during the Suez Crisis Egypt declares that Jews are enemies of the state and therefore a massive expulsion of Jews from Egypt begins. The Sinai Campaign is used to order 25,000 Jews to leave Egypt in 2 days, and their property is confiscated, and passports stamped with a “go with no return” marking. Jews are allowed one suitcase and twenty dollars to take with them.
- 1957
Jewish population decreases to 15,000.
- 1967
Following the Six-Day war, there is an insurgence of persecution and imprisonments of Jewish males 16 years old and older. Jewish population drops to 2,500.
- 1970’s
The remaining Jews are imprisoned in internment camps or given permission to leave the country.
- 2005
Roughly 100 Jews remain in Egypt.
- 2010
Synagogue restoration begins.
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