Manama, First Published Jan 13, 2022, 5:31 PM IST
In the context of the strengthening of Israeli-Bahrain bilateral relations, the Jewish community in the country is moving towards plans to celebrate their heritage and heritage. As part of this, efforts were made to revive the ancient Jewish cemetery and synagogue in Bahrain. The Association of Gulf Jewish Communities, with the support of the Bahraini government, is working to revive the century – old Jewish cemetery. The organization said in a news release that work on the restoration and repair work would begin on January 16, the Jewish New Year’s day.
The history of the Jewish community in Bahrain is centuries old. The Jewish community in the country seeks to document and activate their heritage and history. As part of that, it aims to renovate a Jewish cemetery and synagogue.
History of the Jewish community in Bahrain
Ancient Jewish records state that the Jewish community inhabited Hajar in Bahrain as early as 630 CE. There are records of 500 Jewish settlements in Khayyas in the 12th century. The Jewish Virtual Library records that more than 5,000 Jews lived in al-Qatifa. . The pearl trade here was controlled by the Jews. However, it was not until the 19th century that Jewish immigration became widespread. The Jews came here mainly from Iraq. Jews from Iran and India also came here. The Yadgar family, which arrived in 1880, is prominent in this. They were mainly focused on commerce.
Records show that 600 Jews lived in Bahrain before the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel. In the 1930s and ’40s, Al Mutanabi Street was under the control of Jewish merchants. It was then called the Jewish Street. Things changed when Israel came into being. As anti-Semitic riots erupted, large numbers of Bahraini Jews fled to Israel. Following the anti-Semitic riots of 1948, many of the rest emigrated to the United States and Britain. Only 200 Jews remained in Bahrain in the 1960s. Almost all Jews fled Bahrain after the uprising that erupted after the Six Day War in 1967.
Synagogue in Manama
The Jewish community now
There are currently 36 Jewish citizens in six families in Bahrain. Bahrain is the only Gulf country where Jews or churches exist. There is also an ancient Jewish cemetery here. This is what we are trying to revive now. The synagogue was recently renovated by Abraham David Noon, a Shura member and Jewish leader in Bahrain. According to David Noonu, an earlier decision had been made to use the church for other purposes, but the Bahraini government had intervened to maintain the church. He said the government had asked for land to rebuild the church, which was destroyed during the 1948 riots.
A priest known as the rabbi was required to perform prayers and rituals, but there were no priests here. But now there is a priest in the church in Manama. Earlier, priests from abroad were brought in for various ceremonies. Similarly, there are no Jewish schools here. Jewish children are educated in public schools or American schools. The only restriction that Bahraini Jews experience is that they cannot visit Israel.
Always safe in Bahrain
Community leaders say religious tensions remain high in most Gulf countries, but that Jews have always been safe in Bahrain. They say the Jews here have the same rights as their Muslim neighbors. Community leaders say the current Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, called the Jewish community immediately after taking office as the new ruler, informing them that they had all the existing rights and that there was no need to fear.
They also point out that the situation in Bahrain confirms that. The Khidouri family, a leading exporter of tablecloths and linen in Bahrain, belongs to the Jewish community. The government is the largest corporate customer of Reuben Reuben, a Jewish company that runs the electronics business. In 2008, the King appointed Bahraini’s ambassador to the United States, Houdha Nonu, a Jewish member of the Shura Committee. She is currently holding a senior position in the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In 2015, Rabbi Moses Levine, a prominent Jewish priest, was invited to a special ceremony at a Bahraini palace. About 50 Jews were called to witness the event. There have also been incidents in which members of the royal family have received excellent treatment in Israel.
Israel-Bahrain relations
Bahrain signed the agreement at a ceremony in Washington in 2020 to prevent actions against Jews and Zionism. Bahrain has been a key player in efforts to resolve the West Asian crisis since Trump became US president. On September 11, 2020, Trump’s initiative will lead to a major leap in relations between the two countries. The agreement signed between the two countries at that time was historic. The two countries have signed an agreement to allow diplomatic missions and embassies to operate, operate airlines, and ensure mutual cooperation in the areas of health, trade, technology, education, security and agriculture. After that, these matters were implemented.
Following this, the Jewish community in Bahrain began efforts to revive the century-old cemetery.
Last Updated Jan 13, 2022 5:31 PM IST
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