The Jewish Community in Egypt
What is left to see from the Jewish community in Egypt? Come with us through the most fascinating historic sites with Moshy Tours to reveal the hidden gems of Jewish Cairo.
What was the number of Egypt’s Jewish community?
There was a population of long-established Jewish communities among Cairo, Alexandria and other cities. In 1947, it was proved that about 65,600 Jews used to live in Egypt. The majority of them resided in Cairo. Mostly worked in industry, commerce and other admins jobs.
What is the reason behind the disappearance of Jews from Egypt?
Over several decades, the number of Jewish Egyptians went down and that was associated with political events.
Coincided by the creation of Israel in the year of 1948, some Egyptian Jews were accused of spying. Consequently, some of them were arrested or left the country. The crisis of Suez in 1956 led to another wave of departing the country. After the 1967 Egyptian- Israeli War, more Jewish left the country.
The families left and settled down in different parts of the world but their memories, places, traditions as well as their hearts are still in Cairo witnessing their existence.
What are the places the Jewish community used to live in?
The Jewish community in Egypt was different than those all over the world. They lived in several parts of Cairo. However, significant landmarks and institutions were in areas of downtown Cairo, Old Cairo and some modern neighborhood. This by no means reflect how diverse this community was.
These surviving landmarks can be visited today to tell us a chapter of the history of Cairo.
What are the Jewish landmarks you can visit in Cairo?
1- The Synagogue of Ben Ezra
It is located in Old Cairo. Ben Ezra Synagogue is the most important monuments for the Jewish community. It is the oldest Synagogue in Egypt as described by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It is famous for Cairo Genizah, a room in which a collection of historical documents piled over centuries to tell the real history of the Jewish community.
2- The Synagogue of Maimonides
The name of Moses Maimonides is related to this historic synagogue. The man was a celebrated philosopher, scholar and physician who lived in Egypt in the 12th century. The premises received major restoration between 2007 and 2010.
3- The Synagogue of Shaar HaShamayim
Adly Street Synagogue or Shaar HaShamayim is an important part of Jewish heritage in downtown Cairo and reflects the history of Jewish community in Cairo during the modern period of the 19th and 29th century.
Are the synagogues the only places for Jewish in Cairo?
Absolutely not.
You can also explore the old Jewish quarter, historic streets, many community institutions and neighborhood in which Jewish Egyptians used to live and work.
The story not only told through buildings but more through the people who considered Cairo to be their home, their traditions, their schools, their religious life and the drastic conflicts that changed the community lately.
Why would Moshy be your guide through Jewish Cairo?
At Moshy Tours, we believe the best way to discover Cairo is through its stories.
Our private Jewish Cairo experience connects the surviving landmarks with the history of the people behind them. With knowledgeable local guides, flexible private itineraries, and a focus on storytelling, we help travelers discover a lesser-known side of Egypt.
Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or with friends, Jewish Cairo offers a fascinating journey through Egypt's multicultural past.
Explore the synagogues. Walk through historic Cairo. Hear the stories. Discover a different side of Egypt with Moshy Tours.
Contact us
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