Lebanon's Hidden History of Jewish Refugees

This episode explores the often-overlooked history of Jewish communities in Lebanon, from ancient Phoenician trade networks to the modern era. We examine how cities like Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon served as safe havens for Jews fleeing persecution in Europe and the Middle East. The narrative covers the vibrant Sephardic and Mizrahi populations that thrived in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, their contributions to commerce and culture, and the complex political shifts that led to their eventual departure. Featuring figures like David Najjar and Salim Malki, we trace the architectural and cultural remnants left behind in Mount Lebanon and the coastal plains. This story challenges common assumptions about regional homogeneity and highlights a legacy of coexistence that predates modern nation-states. Listeners will discover the specific roles these communities played in Lebanon’s silk trade, their religious institutions, and the poignant details of their daily lives before the mass migrations of the mid-twentieth century.

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