Une lettre d'amour pour le Liban

Wadi El Jamil

Lebanese Jewish Heritage Archive


Discover Our Heritage

About

Who We Are

We are a group of Lebanese young professionals born in the diaspora, whose hearts are tethered to the stories of our grandparents—their voices still echoing in our minds, telling us of their deep love for Lebanon, the land of cedars. We grew up hearing tales of their homeland, stories filled with warmth, joy, and an unshakable bond to a place they once called home. But alongside those beautiful memories, we also learned of the devastation they witnessed—the destruction of the areas they lived in, and the deep sorrow that followed. Yet, through it all, their love for Lebanon never wavered.

Today, we stand at a crossroads. The Lebanese Jewish community, once vibrant and proud, is almost invisible in Lebanon, and as time passes, we risk blending into other cultures in Europe and America. We are a small community, and with each passing day, the 5,000-year history we carry feels like it's slipping through our fingers, like whispers lost in the wind. But we refuse to let that history fade away. We refuse to allow this legacy to be forgotten.

This initiative is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Lebanese Jewish community—a community that has persevered through centuries of change. We are determined to ensure that our story, our culture, and our history are not lost, but preserved for future generations. We dream of a time when the Jewish community in Lebanon will thrive once again, in the heart of Beirut, where it once flourished. We hope for a future where we can return to our roots, reclaiming our place in the land that is so deeply intertwined with who we are.

This is our mission, our passion, and our promise—to honor the past and to build a future where Lebanon's Jewish heritage will shine brightly once again alongside all other sects in Lebanon.

"When I was growing up in West Beirut, we didn't define ourselves by whether we were Jewish, Sunni, or Christian. We were simply Lebanese." — Gido A.T.

Wadi El Jamil mission

Our Mission

We envision a world where the history, culture, and contributions of Lebanese Jews are recognized, valued, and preserved. Through education, collaboration, and the sharing of personal and collective narratives, we hope to build a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and continuity for those who feel disconnected from their heritage.

A Shared Dream

As we continue our work in the diaspora, we hold onto the hope that one day, the Lebanese Jewish community can flourish again in Lebanon and truly call it home. Many have left but dream of returning, while others have never had the chance to experience Lebanon firsthand. Despite the distance, our love for Lebanon remains unwavering.

This year, in 2025, the Maghen Abraham Synagogue turns 100—a powerful reminder of our deep-rooted history in the country. This milestone should be an opportunity to bring it back to life, ensuring that our heritage remains visible and vibrant. By fostering dialogue, preserving our traditions, and building connections across generations, we hope to reignite the presence of our community and its cultural legacy in Lebanon.

Wadi El Jamil mission

The Story of Wadi El Jamil

Wadi El Jamil began as a grassroots initiative by descendants of Lebanese Jews in 2018, seeking to reconnect with their ancestral heritage and preserve the stories that were at risk of being lost to time.

What started as a small collection of family photographs and oral histories has grown into a comprehensive resource platform dedicated to documenting the Jewish experience in Lebanon from ancient times to the modern era.

Our work brings together researchers, historians, community members, and cultural enthusiasts who share a passion for understanding and celebrating this unique cultural intersection.

A Rich Historical Legacy

The Jewish presence in what is now Lebanon dates back to biblical times, with communities flourishing particularly during the Ottoman era and into the 20th century.

Centered primarily in Beirut, Sidon, and other coastal cities, Lebanese Jewish communities developed distinct cultural traditions while maintaining strong connections to both their religious heritage and Lebanese national identity.

By the mid-20th century, Beirut's Jewish community was known for its vibrant cultural life, educational institutions, and economic contributions. Political changes in the region led to significant emigration after the 1950s, but the cultural legacy of Lebanese Judaism continues to be an important piece of the country's diverse historical tapestry.

Historical Lebanese Jewish community
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Jewish Presence in Lebanon

Biblical Era

Jewish presence in the region dates back to ancient times, with evidence of communities in Tyre and Sidon mentioned in biblical texts.

Ottoman Period

Significant growth of Jewish communities in Beirut and other Lebanese cities, with cultural and economic flourishing.

Early 20th Century

The Wadi Abu Jamil neighborhood in Beirut becomes a center of Jewish life, with schools, synagogues, and cultural institutions.

Mid-20th Century

Lebanese Jews participate actively in the country's cultural, economic, and political life during Lebanon's golden era.

Modern Diaspora

Most Lebanese Jews emigrated during the latter half of the 20th century, forming communities around the world while maintaining cultural connections.

Community

Celebrations and festivals

Celebrations and Festivals

Lebanese Jewish children from Saida planting trees for Tu B'shevat: Lebanese Jewish celebrations blended Mizrahi and Sephardi traditions with local Levantine culture—from henna ceremonies at weddings to Passover seders featuring "Maamoul", all accompanied by Oriental melodies and communal mourning rituals with bitter coffee.

Alliance school in Beirut

Education and Community

The "Alliance Israélite Universelle de Beyrouth" was a private institution for primary and secondary education, founded in 1869 in Beirut by the chief Rabbi of Beirut, Zaki Cohen, when Lebanon was still part of the Ottoman Empire. The institution was once located in the Bab-Idriss neighborhood in Beirut, on Alliance Street.

Beirut Jewish cemetery

Eternal Roots in Sacred Soil

In Beirut's Jewish cemetery, generations sleep beneath weathered stones, their Hebrew and Arabic inscriptions whispering of lives deeply tied to this land. Overgrown jasmine and aged marble guard their stories, a silent vow that their roots here run eternal. Even in death, they remain woven into Lebanon's soil—forever home.

Life in West Beirut

West Beirut, particularly the Wadi Abu Jamil district, was the heart of Jewish life in Lebanon for generations. Located near the central business district, it was a vibrant neighborhood where Jewish families lived, worked, and practiced their traditions.

The area featured several synagogues, including the grand Maghen Abraham Synagogue, educational institutions, and numerous businesses. Beyond being a religious enclave, it was a place of cultural exchange where Lebanese Jews interacted with their Christian and Muslim neighbors, contributing to Beirut's reputation as a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city.

Lebanese Jewish Cuisine

The culinary traditions of Lebanese Jews reflect a beautiful fusion of Jewish dietary practices with the flavors and techniques of Lebanese cuisine. These recipes have been passed down through generations, preserving a unique aspect of cultural heritage.

Traditional sambusak

Sambusak

A beloved savory pastry filled with cheese, chickpeas, or meat, often prepared for holidays and special occasions.

Key Ingredients:

  • Semolina flour
  • Feta cheese
  • Fresh herbs
  • Olive oil
Kibbeh

Kosher Kibbeh

A Lebanese Jewish adaptation of the classic Lebanese dish, prepared according to kosher dietary laws.

Key Ingredients:

  • Bulgur wheat
  • Ground beef
  • Pine nuts
  • Middle Eastern spices

Judaism in the Lebanese Context

Judaism in Lebanon evolved with distinct characteristics that reflected both traditional religious practices and adaptation to local culture. Lebanese Jews primarily followed Sephardic traditions, influenced by both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Jewish customs.

Religious life centered around several synagogues, the most prominent being the Maghen Abraham Synagogue in Beirut, built in the 1920s and recently restored. Religious education was provided through community schools, where children learned Hebrew alongside Arabic and French.

While maintaining religious traditions, Lebanese Jews were well-integrated into the country's social fabric, participating in national life while preserving their unique identity. This balanced approach to tradition and integration characterized the Lebanese Jewish experience throughout much of the community's history.

June 14, 1951: Rabbis pose at Maghen Abraham Synagogue. From left: Rafoul (son of Daoud KHASKI), Elyahou (son of Selim KHABIEH-ZEYTOUNY), Lebanon's Chief Rabbi Ben-Zion LITCHMAN, Mourad (son of Yaacoub ALFIEH), and Toufic (son of Abraham COBERSSY-LEVY).

Lebanese Jewish Family Heritage

The tapestry of Lebanese Jewish community was woven from numerous families who contributed to the country's cultural, economic, and social landscape. Many of these families have histories in Lebanon spanning generations before diaspora.

Notable Lebanese Jewish Families

Abadi Douek Mann
Ades Elia Mizrahi
Arazi Farhi Safra
Balilty Hakim Srour
Bteish Harari Stambouli
Cohen Laniado Tawil
Dana Levy Zeitouni
Dichy Lawy Zeitoun
Laty Elias Asher
Jamous Saad Safdieh

And many more...

Click here to see all the Families
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Contact Us

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Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways you can contribute to preserving and celebrating Lebanese Jewish heritage:

Share your story

Share Your Story

If you have family connections to Lebanese Jewish heritage, consider sharing your stories, photographs, or artifacts with our archive.


Submit Your Story
Volunteer

Volunteer

We welcome volunteers for our events, research projects, and community initiatives. Skills in archiving, language translation, and event planning are especially valuable.


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Support Our Work

Your contributions help fund our educational programs, research initiatives, and community events that keep this important heritage alive.


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