New York, NY—To mark the annual commemoration of the exodus of Jews from Arab countries, Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and Sephardic Community Program will partner with the Consulate General of Israel in New York to present a lecture and discussion on the cultural dimensions of modern Jewry in Arab lands. The event will take place on Monday, December 5 at 6 p.m. in Koch Auditorium on the Israel Henry Beren Campus, 245 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, 10016.

The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Daniel Tsadik, associate professor of Sephardic and Iranian studies, and will highlight certain aspects of the culture of Arab Jews, including their activities in literature, theater, cinema and sports. “Our journey through these topics will pay tribute to the impressive, multifaceted, lively and creative individuals, communities and societies that lived in Arab lands,” he said. Tsadik’s research focuses on the modern history of Iran, Shi’ah Islam and Iran’s religious minorities.

The event will also feature an address from the Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel, who will share stories from many communities.

“For hundreds of years there existed a vibrant Jewish life in Arab countries where Jews were integral to all aspects of social life and rose to the highest positions in government and in business,” said Dayan. “With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, this historical Jewish presence was almost entirely erased. Each year the Israeli consulate marks the exodus of Jews from Arab countries together with the communities which carry on their traditions.”?

To RSVP or for more information, email [email protected].