The Jewish Exodus from Arab countries, also known as the Jewish exodus from Arab and Muslim countries, refers to the mass migration and displacement of Jewish communities from various Arab countries and Muslim-majority regions in the mid-20th century. This term encompasses the movement of Jewish individuals and families from countries such as Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Morocco, Syria, and Algeria, among others.
The Jewish exodus from Arab countries occurred primarily between the late 1940s and early 1970s, triggered by rising anti-Semitism, socio-political instability, discriminatory policies, and the aftermath of the establishment of the State of Israel. Jewish communities, which had a long-standing presence in these regions, faced increasing hostility and persecution, leading them to abandon their homes and seek refuge in other countries, particularly Israel.
This exodus resulted in the displacement of approximately 850,000 Jews from Arab countries and Iran, with many leaving behind centuries-old historical, cultural, and religious roots. The communities that were uprooted faced various challenges, including confiscation of property, loss of citizenship, limited financial resources, and discrimination in their new host countries. The Jewish exodus also had a profound impact on the demographic, economic, and cultural landscapes of both the Arab countries they left and the countries that absorbed them.
Overall, the Jewish exodus from Arab countries represents a significant chapter in Jewish history, highlighting the complexities of interethnic and interreligious relationships in the Middle East and amplifying calls for recognition, justice, and restitution for the displaced Jewish communities and their descendants.
