After defining the geographic areas, political terms, and social concepts relevant for the study of MENA Jews and Eretz Israel, we will examine traditional links between Jews in the Diaspora with the Holy Land, and developments in the 19th century Mediterranean Basin that impacted them. Additional political, economic, and social aspects of MENA Jewish communities will be examined in the context of migration and aliyah (immigration to the Land of Israel). Finally, the demographic characteristics of the olim (immigrants) themselves, their travel routes, and strategies for coping en route will be presented.
Sunday | February 6th | 8pm (1pm EST)
Up to 1880's well over half of the Jews residing in the Land of Israel/Palestine were Sephardi and/or came from Muslim countries. Eurocentric Jewish and Zionist historiographies, however, have often overlooked or marginalized these Jews and their activities.
This four-part series will shed light on the multi-faceted relationships of Jewish communities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with the Holy Land and their presence in the Land. Although the focus of the series will be on those Jews who lived in 19th and early 20th century Palestine, these were never disconnected from Diaspora Sephardi and Arabic-speaking communities and/or their communities of origin. Eretz Israel was always an integral part of the Middle East.