•Alexandria’s Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
Alexandria has the most fascinating Synagogue that called Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, is the oldest synagogue in Egypt, belongs to a time when the city had a lively and diverse community of Jews,
Christians and Muslims, the synagogue reopened earlier this month after undergoing preservation and renovation.
Egypt, where different civilizations coexisted peacefully for centuries, possesses a unique cultural diversity, Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani said at the opening ceremony: “The opening of this synagogue in Alexandria after its full restoration over a period of 26 months sends a message to the world that the Egyptian government cares about the heritage of all religions.
Among the largest synagogues in the Middle East, this magnificent Italian-built structure served Alexandria’s once-thriving and cosmopolitan Jewish community.
The interior features immense marble columns and space for more than 700 people, with brass name plates still affixed to the regular seats of male worshippers.
Since the war in 1956 Suez Crisis, the community has dwindled and rarely musters the 10 men necessary to hold a service. At the time of research, the building was awaiting renovation.
Despite the fact that there are currently few Jews in Egypt, the synagogue will constitute an important temple open to all visitors.
Not to forget that the history of Jewish temples in Egypt represents and shows the religious tolerance of the country.
•Reopens of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, Egypt, is now open in full splendour.
The place of worship was recently reopened in a festive ceremony finally, after a very long period of restoration.
Renovations at the site took more than 26 months. In all, the Egyptian government invested some $6 million (€5.4 million) in restoring the building with its green and purple windows, columns and arches, according to the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Visits to this moving reminder of the city’s multicultural past must be arranged through Ben Youssef Gaon, president of the local Jewish community and, aged in his late 50s, among its youngest current members.
It is located at Alexandria city centre at Nabi Daniel st. So you can visit it during your guided tour to Alexandria or by a walking tour at the downtown of the city ,make sure you will enjoy in both cases.
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