Oct 24, 2011

No Jews of Libya


Despite having settled there hundreds of years before Christ, there are no Jews in Libya.
I left Libya more than 42 years ago when the mobs were roaming the streets. They were not chanting for democracy or yearning for freedom — they were looking for Jews.
Gina Waldman.
This community, that goes back 2,500 years, has obliterated their oldest minority...They drink anti-semitism with their mother's milk.
Gina Zanzur
After the creation of Israel in 1948, anti-Jewish riots and killings forced 30,000 Jews to flee. After the 1967 Israeli war, the remaining 6,000 were expelled, each allowed one suitcase and $20.
historic photo of the Jewish Quarter in Tripoli

reprinted from March 14, 2011

UPDATE: An envoy from the displaced Libyan Jewish community now living in Italy, was told that there would be no place for Jews in the new Libya.

6 comments:

  1. Why would anyone want to live in Libya? Thank God my ancesters were forced out of What is now Slovakia?I guess it boils down to making the best out of a bad situation?Overall, Im sure, those that left are better off.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Been to Libya many times from 61 to 64, then Qadhafi took over and ruined the place. I also went to the world's fair held in Tripoli in 62 or was it 63? Nice looking city then! Most businesses were run by the Italians. The Libyan Air Force consisted of one C47 and three T33's.
    Stealth.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Can anyone imagine what its like for David Bausch to live in his family home at 7th and chew. Would it make sense for Mario Andretti to live at 3rd and gorden or how many Muhlenberg students would choose to party at the bar at 7th and allen?

    ReplyDelete
  4. anon 9:15, center city, especially old allentownhas many residents by choice. while some older long time allentowians may feel the quality of life is now compromised, others appreciate the "urban" atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello, I'm looking for some help.. Do u know anything about Jewish architecture in old city Tripoli Libya.
    If u know anything I'll be grateful to help me 🙏
    Hiba Shalabi
    #SaveTheOldCityOfTripoli

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hiba, sorry I do not. Although this post is 9 years old, I put it up on the possibility that someone who does know about the Jewish architecture might see this and contact you.

    ReplyDelete

ANONYMOUS COMMENTS SELECTIVELY PUBLISHED. SIGNED COMMENTS GIVEN MORE LEEWAY.