The History of Jews in Algeria: Centuries of Coexistence and Conflict
The history of Jews in Algeria is a complex and multifaceted story that spans thousands of years. It is marked by coexistence, conflict, integration, and exile. While historians differ on the origins of their presence, one fact remains undisputed: the Jewish community played a significant role in Algeria’s social, economic, and political landscape throughout the ages.
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The Beginnings: From Phoenicians to Andalusians
Historians debate the origins of Jewish presence in Algeria. Some trace it back to the 8th century BCE with the arrival of the Phoenicians, calling these early settlers “Toshavim”. These Jews were said to be descendants of tribes like Banu Qurayza, Banu al-Nadir, and Banu al-Duraid. They settled in the region long before the French colonization, establishing a deep-rooted legacy.
Others believe that the significant Jewish presence in Algeria began with the expulsion from Al-Andalus (Spain) in 1492, following the Catholic Monarchs’ edict under Queen Isabella. These Jewish refugees, known as “Megorashim”, fled to North Africa and quickly integrated into Algerian society due to their craftsmanship and trade skills, especially during a time of prosperity in Algeria.
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Purim Algeria: A Celebration of Survival
One of the most remarkable events that Algerian Jews commemorated was the Purim Algeria celebration. It dates back to 1541 when the Spanish Emperor Charles V attempted to invade Algiers. Fearing for their lives, Jews gathered in synagogues, praying for salvation. Miraculously, a powerful storm prevented the Spanish fleet from docking, thwarting the invasion. Since then, Jews in Algeria celebrated this miraculous escape every year on the 4th of Heshvan according to the Jewish calendar.
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Social and Economic Life: Integration and Isolation
Before the French colonization, the Jewish population in Algeria numbered around 30,000. This number surged to over 130,000 by 1948. Jews were spread across major cities like Algiers, Constantine, Tlemcen, Oran, and even some areas in the Sahara. Despite their limited presence in the desert, they adapted quickly, gaining recognition for their craftsmanship in goldsmithing, textiles, and confectionery.
They lived in designated quarters known as “Jewish Quarters” (Harat al-Yahud), often forming tight-knit communities. Some of the most notable were the Jewish Quarter in Constantine, established by Salah Bey in 1750, and the Jewish Quarter in Oran, founded by Bey Mohamed Ben Kbir in 1792. However, Tlemcen remained their spiritual hub, featuring landmarks such as the Synagogue of Kabassa and the cemetery where Rabbi Ephraim Ben Kawwa is buried, a figure surrounded by legends and folk tales.
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Under Ottoman Rule: Protection and Restrictions
During the Ottoman era, Jews in Algeria were classified as “Dhimmi” (protected non-Muslims), a status that granted them protection in exchange for paying a special tax. Although they enjoyed relative safety, they faced strict regulations, especially in dress and social conduct.
For instance:
• Jews were forbidden from wearing bright colors, particularly green (symbolizing Islam) and red (symbolizing the Ottoman state).
• They were required to wear dark attire to distinguish themselves, such as dark blue burnouses in Algiers and gray ones in Titeri.
• Unique footwear regulations mandated that Jews wear short leather sandals that did not fully cover their feet, as a symbolic reminder of their status.
Jewish women also faced sartorial restrictions, wearing silver-threaded headscarves instead of the gold-threaded ones worn by Muslim women. The only exception was Bent El-Bakri, the daughter of a wealthy Jewish merchant, who was allowed to wear a gold-embroidered scarf.
Under French Rule: Loyalty or Betrayal?
The turning point for Algerian Jews came with the Crémieux Decree of 1870, which granted them French citizenship. This significantly improved their social standing and enabled them to participate in public life. During World War II, many Jews served in the French military, but the Vichy government (1940–1944) stripped them of citizenship and imposed severe restrictions.
Interestingly, Jews played a key role in the Allied invasion of Algeria (Operation Torch) in 1942. Over 400 Jewish resistance fighters helped secure Algiers for a full day before the American forces landed. This move contributed to ending Vichy rule in Algeria, although restoring their full rights took several months.
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The Mass Exodus After Independence
As Algeria moved toward independence in 1962, tensions between Jews and Arabs intensified, exacerbated by the Arab-Israeli conflict. Fearing for their safety and uncertain about their future, the vast majority of Jews left Algeria, mainly to France and Israel. They were among the first to establish Jewish neighborhoods in the occupied territories, such as Ein Hod, Tzrifin, and Yoshivia.
Today, only a small number of Jews remain in Algeria, compared to the thriving communities that once existed.
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Conclusion: A Legacy of Complexity and Contradiction
The history of Jews in Algeria is a mosaic of coexistence and conflict, integration and isolation. It is a tale shaped by the shifting tides of power, cultural exchange, and religious diversity. Though their numbers have dwindled, the legacy of Algerian Jews endures through the remnants of synagogues, cemeteries, and stories that continue to resonate with the complexities of a shared past.
Understanding this history offers valuable insights into how diverse communities have navigated coexistence and adversity, leaving behind a cultural imprint that transcends time and space.
