THE FORGOTTEN JEWS

Over 900,000 Jews fled from Muslim countries during the outbreak of Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, abandoning their property and possessions. Jews who had lived for millenia in Eqypt, Syria, Iraq, Iran, North Africa, poured into a war-torn Israel seeking refuge.

They became known as Mizrahi, “Eastern” and considered as ‘lesser’ by locals. The diverse sub-groups of Mizrahi fought back and finally emerged as a respected presence in their new home.

The terms Sephardi and Mizrahi are sometimes used interchangeably. Sephardi Jews emerged from Spain and scattered towards Muslim countries when Christian forces conquered Spain in 1492.

Ashkenazi Jews are generally associated with Europe and suffered the Holocaust with some finding their way to Eretz Israel.

Israel is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with a rich mix of traditions, culture and religion.