Will Egypt’s Antiquities Ministry restore dilapidated synagogues?
The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities is deploying efforts to restore the remaining three synagogues in Cairo’s Jewish Quarter.
CAIRO — Nothing remains of Cairo’s Jewish Quarter, save some dilapidated Jewish monuments and Stars of David rising above the doors of some old houses whose Muslim residents have yet to remove. The Jewish Quarter was once known for being a hub of Jewish traders, artisans and handicraft workers who were famous for their gold, silver, jewelry and shoes. Today, it has become one large market for children’s toys, accessories and cosmetics.
The Jewish Quarter was a large neighborhood with streets, lanes and side streets all connected together, totaling 360 alleyways. Not only did Jews live in this neighborhood, but also Muslims and Christians.
The Jewish Quarter is characterized by a unique geographical location in Egypt, as it falls in the heart of Cairo, jammed between Islamic Cairo and Khedivate Cairo, making it an exceptional tourist attraction.
The quarter is home to 13 Jewish synagogues, built by Jews during their presence in Egypt around the end of the 19th century. Only three remain today, namely the Maimonides Synagogue, Temple bar Aouhaa and Haim Capoussi Synagogue.
