(Ha'aretz) Amiram Barkat - The Synagogue of Elijah the Prophet in Alexandria, Egypt - considered the largest in the Middle East - is an impressive building with a broad white marble staircase leading to the entrance. The huge space inside, which until the mid-20th century held 1,000 worshipers, is illuminated by the light of dozens of seven-branched candelabra, with the addition of sunlight that streams through the stained-glass windows. The president of the Alexandria community, dentist Dr. Max Salame, recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Lina Mattatia, the synagogue's legendary tour guide, is over 80. The head of the community, Victor Balassiano, who claims the title of "the youngest Jew in Egypt," is 65.
2005-04-22 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive