Day to Mark the Departure and Expulsion of Jews from the Arab Countries and Iran
November 30, Sunday
Exodus Day of Jews from Arab Countries and Iran is observed annually on November 30. It was officially established by the Government of Israel in 2014. The date was not chosen at random: the day after the adoption of UN Resolution No. 181 in 1947, which recommended the creation of Jewish and Arab states in Palestine, mass persecutions and attacks on Jewish communities began in many Arab countries.Reasons for the exodus
After 1947–1948, the situation of Jews in Arab countries sharply deteriorated. The exodus was caused by:
* the rise of anti-Semitism and official repressive measures
* mass pogroms and violence
* confiscation of property and restriction of rights
* deprivation of citizenship
* inability to maintain previous way of life and feel safe
As a result, more than 850,000 Jews left Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and other countries.
Traditions and ways of observance
The holiday is a day of remembrance and historical reflection. It is observed in Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Main forms include:
* memorial ceremonies and educational lectures
* eyewitness accounts and documentary exhibitions
* school lessons dedicated to the history of Eastern Jews
* reading the names and stories of families forced to leave their homes
* discussions of the cultural contribution of Eastern Jewish communities
Cultural heritage of emigrants from Arab countries
The holiday highlights the significance of the cultural traditions of Jews of Eastern origin for Israel and the global Jewish diaspora. These include:
* music and singing in Eastern style
* culinary traditions of the Maghreb, Yemen, Iraq, and other regions
* religious rituals and unique community practices
* rich literary and intellectual tradition
Modern significance
Exodus Day of Jews from Arab Countries serves as a reminder of a little-known chapter of 20th-century history. It helps to:
* restore historical justice
* recognize the trauma and loss of hundreds of thousands of people
* preserve the memory of ancient Jewish communities in the Middle East and North Africa
* strengthen the connection between generations and the identity of Eastern Jews
Day to Mark the Departure and Expulsion of Jews from the Arab Countries and Iran
Day to Mark the Departure and Expulsion of Jews from the Arab Countries and Iran in other years
- 2021 November 30, Tuesday
- 2022 November 30, Wednesday
- 2023 November 30, Thursday
- 2024 November 30, Saturday
- 2026 November 30, Monday