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 | |
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Street view of synagogue exterior | |
Religion | |
Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
Rite | Sephardic |
Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Re-opened in 2020 |
Location | |
Location | Nabi Daniel Street Alexandria, Egypt |
Geographic coordinates | 31°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]
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue (Alexandria). |
- "Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study – Synagogues Past and Present". Beit Hatfutsot.
- Hosni, Yousrya Abdel-Aziz (2010). Alexandria: Historical and Archaeological Guide. American University in Cairo Press. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-977-479-185-7.
- "Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue". 2018 World Monuments Watch. World Monuments Fund.
- Gazzar, Brenda (23 October 2008). "Alexandria's last Jews sad to see empty shul on Simhat Torah". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2011-02-17.
- Aderet, Ofer (June 20, 2012). "Replica of Ancient Egypt Synagogue Arrives at Tel Aviv Museum" – via Haaretz.
- "Jewish festivals cancelled at Alexandria synagogue - Politics - Egypt". Ahram Online.
- 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.
- "Magnificent synagogue restored in Alexandria". The Jerusalem Post. 2020-01-12. Retrieved 2020-01-12.