Photos

Elana Moussa

Antebi-Vidal family, at a Bar-Mitzva Ceremony (tephillin) in Neve Shalom Synagogue, in 1947.

Joseph Cattaoui Pasha, Minister of Finance at King Fouad Government. President of the Jewish Community of Cairo until 1942.

Pahad Itzhak Synagogue (also called Kraiem Synagogue), at Daher Quarter in Cairo, founded in 1932 by Zaki Kraiem. Still owned by the Jewish Community of Cairo.

Mlle. Esther Betito, an elegant Jewish middle-class Cairene, dressed in the latest fashion of Paris. (Cairo, 1923). (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Camels 1923 Albert Bivas

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Rass el-Barr 1949. The Jewish upper middle-class of Cairo used to live in this fancy, unique and extremely enjoyable Sea Resort on the Mediterranean, during the whole summer. (Victor & Esther Vidal with their seven children. Made Aliya on 1950, after being confiscated of all their assets).

Moussa el-Der’iy Synagogue, Grand Temple Karayite, Abbassiya – Cairo, built in 1934. Has the most important collection in the world of Jewish manuscripts, among them the Biblical Codex achieved by Moshe Ben-Asher in Tiberias in the year 895. Still in good condition. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” - by Levana Zamir University of Haifa, 2008)

Alexandrie 1944 Albert Bivas

Graph of the Synagogue of Helwan, built at the end of the nineteenth Century.

The Kiddoush at home on Friday night. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Jewish Community Schools in Alexandria under the baton of the famous Maestro Albert Hemsi. March 1943. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” – by Levana Zamir)

Jewish Calendar and the address phone number of the Rabinat office Cairo Egypt Fortunee Lichaa

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Rass el-Barr Beach – 250 km. from Cairo, at the Nile and the Mediterranean Junction. (Vidal family – summer 1940). (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Edward Mosséri and Bella Belbel wedding (1941) at Sha’ar Hashamayim Synagogue, Cairo. With ‘demoiselles d’honneur’ wearing the same long dresses, and their escorts. (Levana Zamir private collection)

Ovadia Salem, businessman in the mid 20th century in Cairo, was also co-founder of the Bank Discount of Palestine.

The famous ‘GROPPI’s tea room, was renowned not only for its delicious patisserie, chocolates and its ice-cream-soda flavors, but also for its being the elegant Palace of leisure to people watch and be seen. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Edmond Jabès, Egyptian Jewish writer and poet. Author of the ‘Logomachie Renouvelée du Talmoud’ (the Talmud renewed logomachy) written in Egypt. Exiled to France, he wrote ‘Le Livre des questions’ and won in 1982 the Prize of the ‘Foundation du Judaisme Francais’ and many other important Prizes.

Victor Vidal and his son Nisso; both wearing the white sharkskin suit. In the background: Casino Fouad in Rass-el-Barr, where many high middle-class Jews enjoyed a whole summer of leisure. After a morning swim on the Mediterranean, and a well earned 'siesta', they used to welcome the evenings with a slow and relaxing walk along the Nile, offering to the ladies those famous jasmine-necklaces, spreading all over their exquisite and unforgettable Jasmine scent

H F Pyramides 1940 Albert Bivas

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Elana Moussa

Sefer Torah at ‘Eliahu Hanavi’ Synagogue, Alexandria.

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Italian Passport, issued in July 1882 by the Italian Consul in Cairo. According to this document, Elia Vidal son of David, was born in Cairo in 1840, was domiciliated in Livorno, and he was travelling to Italy with his mother, his wife and his four children. This passport was issued long before the Livorno civil archives were destroyed in a conflagration. (Levana Zamir private collection)

The Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra in Cairo in 1938-39, only two weeks after its first performance. On the left (next to Mrs. Nahas Pasha), Shlomo Lewertov, then General manager of the Palestine Orchestra, greeting the Egyptian Prime Minister Nahas Pasha, at the entrance of the Opera in Cairo. (From the book “The Golden Era of the […]

The Opera Building of Cairo, founded by the Khedive Ismail (1863-1879) at the occasion of the Suez Canal launching. For the Opera Opening, Verdi composed especially for this event, his famous Opera ‘Aida’, attended by kings, queens, princes and princesses from all over Europe. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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Bassan building Zamalek Albert Bivas

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Aboukir Concentration Camp in 1948-49, by N. Abastado (From Prof.A.Shlosberg) (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

‘R a m b a m’ Diploma for the Bar-Mitzva.

The Tarboush (fez) cleaner. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

All boys classroom of the Jewish Cattaoui School, Cairo – 1937. (David and Joseph Vidal private collection)

Egyptian Passport issued in August 1950 in Cairo, to Ezra Behor Youssef Belboul. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Habib Shémés, a wealthy autochthonous Egyptian Jew from Haret el-Yahud at the end of the 19th century. Shémés family is renowned as living in Egypt from the beginning of the 1st century, if not before. Shémés is mentioned by Greek Alchemists in Alexandria in the 4th century, as a Jewish Prophet and the mythological founder of Alchemy in Egypt. (Bnei-Haye’or Bulletin – 2005). Cairo, 1901. (Levana Zamir private collection)

The combination of the ‘Koftan’ (oriental dress) with the European coat, regarded as luxury and “chic” fashion in 1894. (Levana Zamir private collection)

Interior of Eliahu Hanavi Synagogue, at Nebi Daniel Street, in Alexandria. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The ‘Jardins Japonnais’ Gardens, in the small town of Helwan, a winter resort 25 kms. from Cairo, where the Cairene used to enjoy their sunny weekends. Helwan – winter 1949. (Levana Zamir private collection).

Léon Dichy (standing second on the right), member of the Egyptian Delegation to the League of Nations, with Prime Minister Mustafa Nahas Pasha (seated second on the right) on May 1937, and other dignitaries.

David Ben-Gurion, with the Turkish Tarboush, as a student in Law at the University of Istanbul in 1912.

The “Heykhal” at Sha’ar Hashamayim Synagogue, Cairo. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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Rav Ovadia Yossef, with Ahava Ve-Akhva students in Cairo, during his stay in Egypt, as Beith-Din member and Rabbi-teacher at Ahava Ve-Akhva, which was the biggest and the most vibrant Yeshiva in Cairo. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

En route to Fort Napoleon next to Aboukir, 25 Km. east of Alexandria, where Napoleon Bonaparte left behind one of his cannons, after his short occupation of Egypt at the end of the eighteenth century. Aboukir 1930. (From the “Juifs d’Egypte – Images et Textes” Editions du Scribe, Paris 1984).

The huge and famous Hospital of the Jewish Community in Alexandria Fondation Bekhor de Menasce. Was regarded as the best in the Middle East and among the best in the world. Beside the first class payable departments, it provided treatment to the necessitous for free, regardless of religion.

The “Louvetaux” – boy-scouts of the Petit Lycée in Alexandria – 1932. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Excursion at the Pyramids of Guizah – Cairo 1943. (Levana Zamir private collection)

The Mouski in Cairo, called Mouski because of its musk-perfumes traders, was one of the three entrances of the Jewish Quarter. Most of the Mouski shop owners were Jews, a few of them living in the Jewish quarter. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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At the Stock Exchange of Alexandria – 90% of Egyptian Jews. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Eliahu Hannabi Choir, headed by Maestro Albert Hemsi (in the center). (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” – by Levana Zamir)

Etz Hayim Synagogue (Temple Hanan), at Abbassieh quarter in Cairo, founded in 1900 by Ibrahim Youssef Hanan. The building is still in good condition. The Moslem guardian still remembers all the mizmorims and prayers, and is always ready to sing them for the Jewish tourists coming to visit the Synagogue. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” – by Levana Zamir)

Meir ‘Einayim Synagogue in Meadi (a sophisticated Cairo suburb), built in 1934 by Meir Bitton. Services are attended by the Israeli Diplomats in Egypt, living in Meadi. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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Rabbis of Egypt. This unique picture from March 3rd 1945, gathers almost all the in function at the time. Center on the right: Chief Rabbi Nahum Effendi, Rav Aharon Shueka – from Ahava Ve-Akhva, Rav Yehuda Maslaton Cohen Trab – Av Beith-Din, Rav Shmuel Nefussi – later Chief Rabbi of Alexandria, behind him Rav Yossef Dayan, (Ahava Ve-Akhva). […]

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Fortunee Lichaa

Ben-Ezra Synagogue in Fostat (Massr a-‘atika), old Cairo. Was built in the year 25 of the first century, as mentioned by the famous historian Dov Goitein, as well as by Yacov Cohen & Shmuel Tamari. (Because of its basilica style, Albert Buttler argued it was bought in 882 from the Coptic church). Regarded as the […]

The “Kosher” Grand Hotel Aslan of Rass-el-Barr, with Staff and tourists. Was sequestrated in 1956, but still carries the Jewish name Aslan Hotel. (Levana Zamir private collection).

Eliahu Hannavi Synagogue (Interior) – Alexandria. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Rabbi Aaron Angel, Vice Chief-Rabbi of Alexandria (on the right), and Salomon Khadour, Director General of Cicurel-Alexandria in the 1950s (on the left), at a ‘Brit Mila’ (circumcision). (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Zaradel Synagogue, at the Jewish quarter of Alexandria (Souk el-Samak el Kadim), built in 1391 by the Zaradel family. Two ancient Siffrei-Tora, called Kadmonim, were found in this Synagogue, with the “Massorah” of Ben Acher and Naphtali, and served once a year only for Simhat Torah procession. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Réna Shémés, spouse of Habib Shémés. Her ladino first name ‘Rena’, says she is a descendant of an ancient Sephardic family in Egypt. Her head is covered by decency as well as by coquetry, with an Egyptian ‘Mandil be-Oya’, which is a fine colored silk kerchief, crocheted all around its border with a fine and colorful embroidery, tied like a crown over the head. Haret el-Yahoud, Cairo – 1901. (Levana Zamir private collection)

Rab Haim Capussi Synagogue, at the Jewish quarter of Cairo, built after Haim Capussi death in 1631. Rab Haim Capussi was a most venerated Kabalist, renowned for his miracles. Student of the Egyptian Kabalist Ibn Fodeila, and disciple of Rabbi Itzhak Luria from Safed. Since 1987, the Synagogue is registered as a Jewish Egyptian Antiquity. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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Mariage V V 1944 Albert Bivas

Eliahu Hazan Synagogue, in Alexandria – Sporting area. Built in 1937, in memory of the Chief Rabbi of Alexandria Eliahu Hazan, who wrote many books, among them “Neve Shalom” about the Jews of Alexandria customs. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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Basketball Maccabi Cairo – Girls Group. Cairo 1943 (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The Senator and Chief Rabbi of Cairo, Rav Haim Nahum Effendi, with Egyptian officials at King Fouad’s funeral, Cairo 1934. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Maccabi Cairo excursion – May 1945. (From the private collection of Elie Patan).

Lunch hour at the "Goutte de Lait" school for orphans in Cairo, founded by Isaac Benarroio in 1917, and directed by his spouse. Was located at the prestigious Kasr el-Nil Street, regarded as one of the best Jewish schools in Cairo, with 800 pupils - girls and boys - who received for free a very high-level education, books, daily meals, clothing, Bar-Mitzva ceremonies, etc. (From the book "The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt"

Jacquelin Kahanoff, famous Israeli writer born in Egypt. Made Aliya in 1954 after three years in the U.S.A., where she received two American awards for her books. Recognized as the precursor of the Mediterranean Option, for peace in the Middle East.

Pourim in Cairo, in 1923. Just ready for having fun at the Pourim Bal Masqué. (costume ball) . (Levana Zamir private collection).

Sherif Pasha Street, Alexandria. On the right, the Stock Exchange building, where 90% of the brokers were Egyptian Jews (1945).

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The Jewish youngsters of Helwan, learning Hebrew and Mizmorim Prayers at the “Talmud Torah”, established in Helwan by Joseph and Esther Azoulay (in the center). Helwan – 1947 (Levana Zamir private collection).

Rambam Synagogue, called “Rab Moshe”, in Haret el-Yahud of Cairo, was built after Rambam death in 1204, next to the Yeshiva where Rambam used to teach the Torah, and where he was buried temporarily before being transferred to Tiberius. The Jews of Egypt used to pray for health, by sleeping a whole night at Rambam […]

The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt

Hosting the soldiers of the Jewish Brigade of Palestine during WWII, at the Jewish Soldiers Club in Alexandria. Wearing the white suit: the Egyptian Zionist Yolande Gabbay-Harmor, with Moshé Ben-Asher from “Guedud Ha’avoda” – 1941. (Yad Tabenkin archives). (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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Stanley Beach, Alexandria

‘Shahadet Zawag’ – Certificat de mariage, issued in Cairo in 1943 and signed by the Chief Rabbi of Egypt, Haim Nahum Effendi, testifying that Nessim Cohen-Sabban married Mlle. Zohra Cohen, in June 21st 1894. (Levana Zamir private collection).

The Egyptian Zionist Giuseppe Yanni. He was arrested in the fourties for his activities on gathering and smuggling weapons from the desert, after the German Romel defeat at El-'Alamein (near Alexandria). (From the book "The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt" by Levana Zamir)

General Mohammad Naguib, Head of the Republic of Egypt, visiting Shaar Ha-shamayim Synagogue on Yom Kippur – Cairo, 1952. (From the book "The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt" by Levana Zamir)

Nessim Bekhor Cohen-Sabban (Cairo 1885), who was – together with Madame Courteille – the founder of Rass-el-Barr, the fanciest festival sea-resort for the high middle-class Cairene Jews. (Levana Zamir private collection)

Filles Bassan 1924 Albert Bivas

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A Simhat-Torah Hiloula

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Elementary school students and teachers, at the ‘Collège de la Sainte Famille’, Italian Mission School, where the first language was French. Helwan, 1947. (Levana Zamir private collection).

The entrance floor of ‘Cicurel’, one of many other Department stores in Cairo and Alexandria, owned by Jews. The best fashion, perfumes and garments from Paris for men and women were to be found in those huge and multi-storied department stores. Is not longer owned by a Jew, but still keeps the Cicurel Jewish name. (Cairo 1948). (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The harmonious co-existence of the elegant 'Tarboush' (fez) and the European hat - 1936. (from the Private collection of Ibrahim Mosseri). (From the book "The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt" by Levana Zamir)

In May 15th 1948, King Farouk issued an Egyptian stamp of 10 piasters, with an enlarged map of Egypt joined with Gaza strip, and the Egyptian army invading the south of Palestine. (From the book "The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt" by Levana Zamir)

Cattaoui Pasha, née Tilche; spouse of Moise Cattaoui Pasha. (From the book "The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt" by Levana Zamir)

Soldat Salomon Sabban – francais" (Cairene, Soldier Salomon Sabban – French) - 1914-1915. He never returned home. (Levana Zamir private collection)

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Family portrait 1932 Albert Bivas

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Bat-Mitzva Ceremony for girls, from “Shadai Ya’azor” Communal School, Alexandria 1945. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The Personnel of Cicurel, one of the biggest Department stores in the Middle-East, regarded as “Les Galeries Lafayettes” of the East. With branches in several cities in Egypt, the range at Cicurel was endless: from lavish glass, crockery, fabrics, cosmetics, to the latest elegant Parisian fashions. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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The lake at the ‘Jardin Japonnais’ Gardens – Helwan 1949. (Levana Zamir private collection).

Princess Fawzeya (King Farouk’s sister), at her grandiose wedding with Crown-Prince Mohammed Reza Pahlawi of Iran – who became later Shah of Iran – at Abedine Palace in Cairo in 1939. King Farouk (first on the left), is accompanying the bride. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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Shaar Hashamayim Synagogue (Kenisset Ismailiya), at Adly Street, Cairo. A most impressive architecture, designed by the architect Maurice Youssef Cattaoui together with the Austrian Edward Matasek. Initiated and built in 1903-1905 by Mosseri family. Regained its splendor in 1981, after being renovated by Nessim Gaon (Genève), originary from Soudan-Egypt. The only Synagogue today in Cairo holding Services in the Jewish Holidays (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Performance at the Opera of Cairo in 1947, of the play Esther from the French author Racine, presented by the young choir of Maestro Albert Hemsi. Art was not only a leisure time, but an important part of the Jewish Community education at school. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Layla Mourad, the most famous Egyptian Jewish actress and singer in Egypt since the early ‘thirties through the ‘fifties. Her father was the Hazan (cantor) Zaki Mourad. Here with the greatest Egyptian actors.

In stroller StanleyBay Alexandria Albert Bivas

Al Dor marriage Albert Bivas

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Egyptian Jews with French nationality were called during World War One, to their military service in France. (Levana Zamir private collection).

The Director General of Benzion Department Store 1950, Nessim Bekhor Belbel (made Aliya).

Esther Vidal-Mosséri, author of the book “L’Etreinte du Passé” about her life in Egypt. Born in Cairo in 1911, her husbands business was confiscated on May 14th 1948. Her brother-in-law was imprisoned and expelled.

Maurice Mosseri photography 1910 (Levana Zamir private collection)

Antebi wedding – June 8th 1930 – Cairo. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” – by Levana Zamir)

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Cairo Synagogue Temple Ismalia du caire

Family 2 Albert Bivas

Al Dor mariage 1953 Albert Bivas

In park near Cairo 1943 Albert Bivas

El-Ostaz Synagogue in Haret el-Yahud of Cairo, also called “Kenisset el-Masryin” because its prayers ritual was of the ancient autochthonous Jews of Egypt.

A wedding ceremony at Neve Shalom Synagogue. (Cairo, circa 1935) (Levana Zamir private collection)

End of the year picture, with Students and Teachers of the terminal year at the ‘Lycée de L ‘Union Juive pour l’Enseignement’ – Alexandria. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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The remnant of Helwan Synagogue – a few marble plates. (Meital, Yoram; Atarim Hehudiyim Be-mitsraim – Ben-Zvi Institute, 1995)

‘Arabeya Hantour’ (carriage) with two elegant Muslim ladies, veiled with the Habara . Oil on canvas, by Eliahu Cohen. In his paintings, Eliahu Cohen brings the everyday folklore of the Egyptian life – the one of his memory. Born in Egypt, he made an illegal aliya in 1945, but as one who never forgot the landscapes of his childhood, he easily draws and resurrects them, reflecting that natural tolerance and multiculture, typical to Egyptian life at the time. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Children with their nanny, in Rass el-Barr (1941). If you returned to Cairo at the end of the summer without a picture with this ‘Lion’, you have not been in Rass el-Barr. (Levana Zamir private collection).

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Bivas 3 Generations 1952 Albert Bivas

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Egyptian Identity Card, issued in June 1948, in Cairo. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Boys and girls at the Kindergarten of Cattaoui School, Cairo – 1937. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

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H L Honeymoon 1941 Albert Bivas

The relaxed hours on the ‘eisha balcony – Rass el-Barr 1942.

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Basketball Maccabi Cairo – Boys group championship 1955 (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Time table of the Holidays’ prayers, at the Temple Ismailiah “Sha’ar Hashamayim” Synagogue in Cairo, 1937.

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Maccabi Cairo group, in a large boat on the Nile for a whole day cruise and relaxed excursion to the ‘Barrages’– the renowned dam site, full of most exquisite gardens – 1938. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Maccabi Cairo, participating at a local event – Cairo 1947. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The Communal high-school of Alexandria, Lycée de l’Union Juive pour l’Enseignement. Established in 1924 with a most high-level education for the upper and middle class members of the Jewish Community, teaching at least four languages, and competing with the private Christian Missionary schools. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Sham el-Nessim holiday, at the Baroukh family ‘Ezba (farm). An Egyptian Holiday from Pharaoh times, marking the beginning of spring, enjoyed by the three religions with a whole day picnic, with family and friends. (April 1917). (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The Jewish Communal School of ‘Abasseya’ – for boys and girls – called also ‘Ecole Sebyl’, at Sebyl el Khazindar Street, Cairo. (1928). As education was always a first priority for the Jews of Egypt, the Jewish Communal schools provided education free of charge for all the necessitous. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

Léon Dichy (first on the right) member of the Egyptian Delegation to the United Nations Monetary Conference at Bretton Woods USA, on July 6 1944. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The chic European dress, but the oriental “Tarboush” too. Circa 1910 (from Elie Patan private collection).

Eliahu Hanavi Synagogue, at Nebi Daniel Street, in Alexandria. The biggest, the most impressive and the most antique Synagogue of Alexandria. Is registered since 1987 as a Jewish Egyptian Antiquity. Is well maintained by the few remnants of the Jewish Community in Alexandria, and the only Alexandrian Synagogue holding Services in the Jewish holidays. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)

The ‘Jardins Japonnais’ Gardens, in the small town of Helwan, a winter resort 25 kms. from Cairo, where the Cairene used to enjoy their sunny weekends. Helwan – winter 1949. (Levana Zamir private collection).

Rabbi Dr. Moise Ventura, Chief Rabbi of Alexandria (1937-1948), founder and President of the Communal Jewish High-School ‘Rambam’ (Maimonides) in Alexandria.

Avec la citroen Albert Bivas

Joseph Elise ca 1930 Albert Bivas

1925 Aboukir, 25 km. from Alexandria where many middle-class Jews from Cairo used to enjoy their long hot summers. (From the book “The Golden Era of the Jews of Egypt” by Levana Zamir)