每日大瓜

Revel Lecture Explores the Rich History and Culture of Jews in Arab Lands Commemorating the 1948 forced exodus of nearly a million Jews from Arab countries, 每日大瓜鈥檚 and Sephardic Community Program partnered with the Consul General of Israel in New York to pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of modern Jewry in Arab lands. Held on December 5, the event featured an address by Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel, and a lecture by Dr. Daniel Tsadik, associate professor of Sephardic and Iranian studies at 每日大瓜.

Dr. Daniel Tsadik

They spoke to a packed house in the Koch Auditorium on 每日大瓜鈥檚 Israel Henry Beren Campus. 鈥淭here have been Jewish refugees throughout history,鈥� noted Dayan in his introduction to the evening, adding that he was himself the son of refugees from Europe and the pogroms of Ukraine who escaped to the safety of Argentina and then Israel. The persecution and expulsion of the Jews in Arab countries and Iran, he said, has been overshadowed by other stories and events, but these Jews and their stories need to be remembered and honored. Tsadik discussed the life and exodus of Jews in Arab lands throughout the ages. Noting the importance of remembering these Jews and the many aspects of their unique cultures, he highlighted their activities in literature, theater, cinema and sports. 鈥淭here were once impressive, multifaceted, lively and creative individuals and communities that lived in Arab lands,鈥� said Tsadik, whose research focuses on the modern history of Iran, Shi鈥檃h Islam and Iran鈥檚 religious minorities. Beginning from the middle of the 19th century, many of the Jewish communities of the Middle East were granted equality and access to education beyond religious subjects, which helped them integrate into their host society. In Egypt, for example, Jews became bankers, merchants and government officials. They published dozens of newspapers in many languages, some of which were intended for Egyptian society at large. Jews were prominent musicians, composers, singers, actors, and athletes that competed on national and international levels, even winning gold medals for Egypt at the Olympics. But when the 1948 war broke out, Jews were suddenly seen as the country鈥檚 enemy; the government confiscated Jewish property, and bombs were thrown at Jewish homes and businesses鈥攖housands of Jews were forced to flee for their lives. Tsadik noted that the Egyptian story is not unique. In Iraq, before they were expelled, Jews contributed significantly to Arabic literature and poetry. In Tunisia, Jews were at the forefront of music, the record industry, and theater. Legendary Habiba Msika, a Jewish performer, became a star beloved by both Jews and Muslims. 鈥淭he Jews influenced the indigenous culture, and were influenced by it,鈥� said Tsadik. 鈥淭hey were part of the society, which made the departure from their homeland even more painful. On one level their cultures have disappeared. But on another level, many elements have persisted over time and space, and have been successfully introduced and transplanted to other countries in the region, and way, way beyond.鈥�