Jews of Damascus
Politically
Jews of Damascus
Politically
How they felt about the ottoman?
The European Jews were viewed as Señores Franco’s and maintained a sense of social
superiority to the native Jews.
Also, some Jews did not pay poll-tax as such they did have a decent life under the ottoman
regime
How they feel about the French?
The French Mandate was hard on the Jewish population with anti-Jewish feeling reaching climax
1930s and early 1940s.
The Jews after French independence were faced with death penalties if caught trying to
immigrate to Palestine.
In 1947 there was a Jewish Pogrom in Aleppo and Damascus which lead to 75 deaths and
hundreds of injuries
After the French Mandate it was hard on the Jews of Damascus which faced more anti-Semitic.
Socially
What are the groups leadership structure?
The main leadership structure for Jews in Damascus is heavly rellied upon spirtiual leaders as well as
political leaders.
Among Spirtiual leaders of Damascus during the history were Jacob Berab, Hayim Vital and Moshe
Chadid who is current.
Rabbis are a strong source of power in community and for the families, as the male of a household is for
the family.
Yet, in Syria much of the leadership structure is more politcal especailly after the Syrian Civil War which
destoried many holy sites.
The Eliyahu Hanabi Synagogue was destroied as a result and thusly, the need for Jewish representation
in politics are needed.
Economically
What is the per capita income?
By 2012, as reported by World Atlas the GDP per capita income is around $5,100 with the Jewish
population at 10%
This is relatively a small number compared to the US per capita income but the lifestyle of Syria are
different.
