Alexandria's Eliahu Hanovi Synagogue
Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Ministry reopened the Eliyahu Hanovi synagogue in Alexandria on January 10 after fully restoring the 14-century shul. In cooperation with the military, Egypt's antiquities ministry oversaw the 64 million Egyptian pound ($4 million) renovation which took over three years after the roof and staircase collapsed in 2016.
"The restoration of the synagogue is a message to the world, a message of tolerance and acceptance of the others. It is a message that Egypt is restoring its heritage form different eras for mankind," Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anany told Xinhua, the Chinese news agency.
The synagogue was established by the Jewish community in Alexandria in 1354. It was rebuilt in 1850 under the direction of an Italian architect after it was damaged in 1798 during the Napoleon's invasion of Egypt.
The synagogue, with an area of 4200 square meters (42,000 fee), has two floors: a floor for men and a gallery for women. It has green and violet stained glass windows and towering marble columns. With room for approximately 700 worshipers, it is the larger of the two synagogues remaining in the city.
As one of the most ancient civilizations, Egypt has been working hard to preserve its rich archaeological heritages. In 2018, President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi singled out preservation of places of worship for Egyptian Jews and Coptic Christians as a priority for his government.
Interior Eliahu Hanovi Synagogue
The Aron Hakodesh of Eliahu Hanovi Synagogue
