“The (UN) Resolution 242 addresses the objective of ‘achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem.’ This language presumably refers both to Arab and Jewish refugees, for about an equal number of each abandoned their homes as a result of the several wars…” (Judge Arthur Goldberg, 1988)
November 30th has been proclaimed by Israel as a day commemorating the exile and expulsion of some one million Jews from Arab countries and Iran with 42 events taking place in 18 countries on five continents, including an official government ceremony with President Rivlin.
Justice for Jews from Arab Countries and other organizations have documented the fate of Jewish communities in Middle Eastern and north African countries forced out as a result of pogroms and anti-Semitic attacks both before and after 1948.
MediaCentral hosted a panel to explore the history of these Jewish refugees:
MK Dr. Shimon Ohayon (Israel Beiteinu) – Born in Morocco, responsible for legislation passed to create the official day of commemoration.
Rabbi Elie Abadie, M.D. – Born in Lebanon, Co-President of Justice for Jews from Arab Countries
Dr. Stanley A. Urman, E.V.P. & Co-founder of Justice for Jews from Arab Countries
Regina Waldman – Born in Libya, Founder of Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA)
