Day to Mark the Departure and Expulsion of Jews from the Arab Countries and Iran
On 30 November, Jewish communities around the world mark the Day to Remember the Departure and Expulsion of Jews from Arab Countries and Iran. The date was formally recognised by the Israeli Knesset in 2014, commemorating the estimated 850,000 Jews who were forced to leave countries including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
For centuries, Jewish life flourished across the Middle East and North Africa. In the mid-20th century, rising persecution, violence and discriminatory policies led to the mass displacement of these ancient communities, leaving families uprooted and cultural heritage fractured.
This day is an opportunity to acknowledge the experiences of Jews whose histories are rooted in the Arab world and Iran, to honour their resilience, and to recognise the rich cultural traditions they brought with them.
The JCCV is committed to ensuring these stories are heard, remembered and respectfully commemorated as an integral part of our shared Jewish history.
