The forgotten

The news that Lebanon has suffered yet another political assassination is grim news, indeed. Of course, when “Western powers” talk of supporting the flailing government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, many Lebanese and Muslims will well remember these same powers allowing over a month of deadly Israeli raids that devastated the country. “Western powers” are little trusted in the region, and rightly so.

One Lebanese group that receives virtually no coverage are the Jews. The Jews of Lebanon reports:

Is it time to speak out?

We have been seriously considering approaching the Lebanese government regarding our concerns and issues and getting an official response. Every indication suggests that the government regards the Jewish community as any other minority in Lebanon and as such, we expect a favourable response. It’s important to note that in history and during the civil unrest, every community in Lebanon suffered, every community was attacked, victimized, bombed, and killed and as such, we hope people dismiss any preconceived notion that Jews in particular were victimized or suffered when in reality, we all suffered, all Lebanese, regardless of their religious background were targeted.

We have been considering speaking with the government as well as leading religious and social figures and collecting their formal responses to our campaign and site. We would also like to know the status of the famous Maghen Avraham Synagogue, which awkwardly enough, is situated directly under the Grand Serail- the seat of Lebanon’s Prime Ministry and Council of Ministers.

What do you think? Should we start mobilizing? Who do we contact and speak to? Any particular political, social, or religious figure?

Text and images ©2024 Antony Loewenstein. All rights reserved.

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