With the start of November came an important month for the Jewish community: Mizrachi Heritage Month. Celebrating Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, this month is crucial in honoring the group’s unique traditions.

History

Mizrachi Jews originated from countries including (but not limited to) Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Sudan, Turkey, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. Their communities have existed for centuries yet endured hardship that’s often not as well known as Ashkenazi stories.

Throughout history, Mizrachim was subject to a wide array of oppressive rulers. They were often discriminated against and viewed as inferior citizens in their own countries. However, the violence escalated in 1941, with the spread of Nazi ideology to the Middle East. This caused Middle Eastern and North African countries to turn on their Jews in destructive and inhumane ways. In Baghdad, Iraq, an outbreak of mob violence was carried out. In Libya, anti-Jewish rioting killed 130 Jews and destroyed 9 synagogues. And in the remainder of North Africa, Jews were stripped of their citizenship and deported to labor camps.

In the 1940s, over 850,000 Mizrachim were forced to leave their homes. They lost their properties and assets to their birth countries but, in a bittersweet way, embraced their ancestral homeland, Israel, as their new home. November celebrates the survival of this community.

Traditions

Mizrachi Jews brought their diverse cultures with them to Israel, including traditions like Henna ceremonies, clothing like elaborate, embroidered dresses, food like Jachnun (from Yemen), and their languages, which were often Judeo-Arabic or Judeo-Persian. While, at the beginning, this led to racism and served as a cause for separation from Ashkenazi Jews, the large variety of cultures in Israel soon began to intertwine.

Now, Mizrachi traditions and people are ingrained in Israeli culture. In fact, in 2023, Israel’s Jewish population was 45% Ashkenazi and 45% Mizrachi. From their important figures to their incredible cuisine, Mizrachim has a rich heritage that’s invaluable to Jewish history and culture.

In honor of November, try to seek out first-hand accounts of Mizrachi's history and educate yourself on this incredible community. Happy Mizrachi Heritage Month!