Prof. Ada Aharoni – Letter published in Hebrew in Haaretz Magazine - 27.04.05

A Model for Co-Existence.

To the Editor

Haaretz Magazine

Thank you for the important and innovative article by Amiram Barkat entitled: “The end of the Exodus from Egypt -The Second Exodus of Jews from Egypt.” We received a tremendous response from Israelis and Diaspora Jews originating from Egypt. Many praised the journalist Amiram Barkat, and the Haaretz Magazine, for raising this important subject in all its poignancy.

Likewise, several complained that other properties like Jewish hospitals, schools, clubs, old people homes, private property etc. were not mentioned in his article.

“The World Congress of Jews from Egypt” was established on May 1st 2004. Its centre is in Haifa, and it is organizing a worldwide Congress for Jews originating from Egypt. The WCJE Congress will take place from 3-6 July 2006 in Haifa, with the collaboration of the University of Haifa.

We applied to all the Associations of Jews from Egypt in Israel and the Diaspora, in order to document and salvage the cultural heritage and the important history of our impressive historical community. We are "The Last Mohicans” of Egyptian Jewry that is capable of preserving this memorial history and our rich heritage before they sink into oblivion. This World Congress will become a corner- stone for achieving this aim.

In these days when the State of Israel is renewing its diplomatic relations with Egypt, this is also an opportunity to impart our wide experience of co-existence and harmony which existed between us and the Egyptians (before 1948). This could serve as an important model in reinforcing the harmony and peace between Israel, Egypt, and our other neighbours.

Prof. Ada Aharoni,

Haifa

Original letter in Hebrew, translated to English by Sara Kemp.