A Jewish Place of Worship Returns to Life in Egypt (AUDIO INTERVIEW)

Alexandria’s Eliyahu the Prophet synagogue is rededicated with celebration and prayer

The newly restored Eliyahu the Prophet synagogue was rededicated on Friday in Alexandria, the historic city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.

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Initially constructed in the 13^th century, the synagogue was destroyed during Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt and rebuilt in the mid-19^th century. It fell into disrepair after the city’s Jewish community – estimated to have reached 40,000 – began to leave in what might be called a second exodus following the establishment of the State of Israel.

Today, just a handful of Jews remain, almost all of them elderly.

The Egyptian government footed the multi-million-dollar restoration bill, and Nebi Daniel, a France-based group committed to preserving the heritage of Egypt’s disappearing Jewish community, organized the rededication weekend.

To learn more, The Media Line spoke with Alec Nacamuli, an Alexandria native now living in the UK who is on the board of Nebi Daniel.