Israel-Lebanon agreement shines light on long-lost Jewish community

SIDON, Lebanon (AP) — Rabbi Elie Abadie, born and raised in Beirut, left his homeland over 50 years ago and has not returned to visit. Despite living in Dubai and serving as the senior rabbi emeritus of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf states, his Lebanese heritage remains deeply significant. Abadie's wife, an American, learned Lebanese cuisine from his mother, who cooked dishes he cherished.

The rabbi communicates with his siblings using a blend of Arabic and French, reflecting the linguistic diversity prevalent in Lebanon, a former French protectorate.

The once-vibrant Jewish community in Lebanon, numbering around 18,000 to 20,000 at its peak, has largely faded into obscurity since most members emigrated during the civil war. However, recent events have brought attention back to this community. Last month, Israel agreed to release five civilians detained in southern Lebanon in exchange for Lebanon's assistance in locating the bodies of Jewish leaders who were abducted and killed during the 1980s civil conflict.

Rabbi Abadie, reflecting on his childhood in the 1960s, recalls Beirut's "best days," characterized by beautiful beaches, rivers, resorts, and ski resorts. He and his family were among the Lebanese Jews who left as anti-Jewish sentiment escalated after the 1967 war. Security concerns have kept him away from Lebanon, but he hopes to return one day to re-open Beirut's synagogue that has been closed for decades.

He laments the decline in Jewish life in Lebanon over the past five decades, noting that the Jewish community's existence in the country dates back over 3,000 years to the era of King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre.