﻿ The Jewish Community of Cairo | Beit Hatfutsot

The Jewish Community of Cairo




In 969, the Fatimid rulers conquered Egypt. Under their tolerant rule (969 – 1171), Jews held ministerial positions in the government. Members of the Karaite community also held positions at the courts of rulers.

Approximately 25,000 Jews lived in Egypt in the 12th century, mostly in the town of Fostat (Cairo) and their language was Arabic. The “Nagid” was the head of the community. They excelled in medicine, served at the courts of the rulers and engaged in crafts, especially in the dyeing of textiles, in tanning and in international trade.




Following the Ottoman occupation (1517), the Jewish community grew. Jews became active in the maritime trade with Europe. The organizational structure remained as before, but the “Nagids” (the community leaders) were sent from Turkey. Since the middle of the 16th century, the Jewish finance minister of the Pasha (the Ottoman governor) also headed the Jewish communities.



The position of the Jews improved under the British occupation. In 1898, the community of Egypt numbered 25, 000 Jews, “Italian” and “Ashkenazi” communities were established, and the Karaite community continued to exist. Rich Jews left the ancient quarters and moved to the new suburbs. Jews began to participate in public events. Families of Jewish philanthropists established educational, health and charity institutions in the communities.

The economic flourishing brought prosperity to many Jews who succeeded in industry, banking and commerce, and occupied important positions in social life and governmental circles. Zionist activity in Egypt began in 1897 with the establishment of the “Bar Kokhba” society in Cairo by Marco Baruch. During World War I, the Zionist activity spread with the arrival of many refugees from Eretz Israel. Throughout World War II, Zionist ideology was mainly promoted by Jewish soldiers from Eretz Israel who served in the British army and were stationed in Egypt. Clandestine Zionist activity continued until the mid-50’s.


In Cairo, the 800 year old Ben Ezra Synagogue has been restored and serves as tourist attraction for Jewish visitors from all over the world.   The only functioning synagogue in Cairo today is Shaar Hashamaim, which is maintained by the Israeli diplomatic staff.


Torah Scrolls, manuscripts, books and various documents stored in the attic of Ben Ezra synagogue in Fostat (ancient Cairo). Diorama, the Core Exhibition, Beit Hatfutsot. Beit Hatfutsot, the Oster Visual Documentation Center


Audiance at the Royal Opera, Cairo, Egypt, 1930. First row, extreme left: Mrs. Arlette Klein, member of the Jewish community in Cairo. Beit Hatfutsot, the Oster Visual Documentation Center, bequeath of the late Rose Belachovski

CAIRO Rabbi Haim Nahoum

Rabbi Haim Nahoum (1872-1960) Chief Rabbi of the Ottoman Empire (1908-1920) and Chief Rabbi of Cairo from 1925. Beit Hatfutsot, the Oster Visual Documentation Center, Salonika collection


Ark of the law at the Ben Ezra synagogue. Cairo, Egypt 1979. Photo: Micha Bar-Am. Beit Hatfutsot, the Oster Visual Documentation Center


Old Notice in the Entrance of the Ben Ezra Synagogue, Cairo, Egypt 1979. From BeIt Hatfutsot Exhibition “Jews in Egypt” 1979. Beit Hatfutsot, the Oster Visual Documentation Center