Syria's Jewish community now consists of 4 Jews – who aren't going anywhere

In the shadows of Damascus's ancient Jewish quarter, where thousands of Jews once lived and thrived, only four elderly Jews remain today, steadfastly maintaining their connection to a heritage spanning millennia. This poignant reality emerged from a recent report by Justice for Jews from Arab Countries (JJAC), highlighting the near-extinction of one of the world's oldest Jewish communities.

"They have their homes, their memories, their routines," explains Rabbi Dr. Eli Abadi, co-president of JJAC, describing the three men and one woman who continue to dwell in Damascus. "Even during the civil unrest and political upheavals, they felt secure enough to stay." Despite having family in Israel and America, these last witnesses to Syria's Jewish history have chosen to remain in the city their ancestors called home for generations.

The community's ancient shul still stands, though silent without a minyan. While the Assad regime allowed them to maintain their religious life, the watchful eyes of the Mukhabarat (Syrian intelligence) never wavered - whether for protection or surveillance remains unclear.

"For 75 years, the world has overlooked the displacement of over 850,000 Jews from Arab lands," notes Dr. Stanley Urman, JJAC's vice president, explaining the organization's mission to preserve this vital chapter of Jewish history.

YWN contributed to this article.