Went to visit the renovated synagogue in #Alexandria last week, with three other Europeans and one Egyptian. However, they did not let the Egyptian in. "Egyptians are not allowed," they said at the gate #Egypt
One added, 'because of the religion', but it's not clear to me whether Christian Egyptians could enter or not. The police guards were quite friendly and apologetic about it. "Orders from high up," they excused themselves #Egypt #Alexandria
I remember attending the reopening of the synagogue at a big press event in 2020. The synagogue was a symbol of #Egypt's diversity and tolerance between world religions, the minister said in his speech, celebrating Judaism as part of Egyptian history and civilisation #Alexandria
So much for tolerance for Egyptians themselves to visit, admire and connect with their Jewish heritage. "Second class citizen in your own country," my Egyptian friend remarked #Egypt
If not for Egyptians, who was the synagogue renovated for? The answer was quickly given: as we left a tour bus accompanied by no less then 3 police cars arrived at the synagogue. "Americans and Israelis," guards said. #Egypt #Alexandria
So, after all the money spent on renovation, in the end it's just a show for tourists, not a celebration of Egyptian Jewish heritage, as it is carefully shielded from the Egyptians population, and the Egyptian reality if I may
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
