Introduction

A recently released documentary, 'The Forgotten Expulsion: Jews from Arab Lands,' produced by VisionTV, sheds light on a little-discussed chapter in history—the expulsion and persecution of Jews in various Arab countries during the 20th century. This 45-minute film, released on the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of October 7, highlights a vibrant Jewish heritage across the Middle East that predates both Islam and Christianity.

The Current Context

The film begins with stark imagery of the recent violence facing the Jewish community and voices rising against perceived Israeli imperialism. Osama Abuirshaid, the executive director of American Muslims for Palestine, was quoted saying, 'Before you succeed in bringing this imperialism to an end… before we bring this poison of Zionism to an end.' These sentiments reflect a growing trend among certain activist groups that deny Jewish historical ties to the region.

Historical Erasure

As per the documentary’s narrative, antisemitism soared in the 20th century, leading to the historical erasure of nearly one million Mizrahi Jews who once thrived in lands such as Iraq, Egypt, and Libya. The establishment of Israel in 1948 was pivotal; surrounding Arab nations ramped up hostility, forcing many Jews to flee to Israel, France, or America.

Lack of Awareness

Moses Znaimer, the documentary's executive producer, expressed concern about the lack of awareness and discourse surrounding these events within the Jewish community and beyond. He remarked, 'I was amazed that nobody had done anything about it; that the (Jewish) community itself was not talking about it.' The documentary forces viewers to confront the grave realities of these atrocities by juxtaposing historical footage and present-day narratives.

Deep Roots in the Region

Throughout the film, prominent figures such as former Israeli spokesman Eylon Levy emphasize the deep roots of Jewish civilization in the Middle East. Levy states, 'It is literally where we are from,' even reminding audiences that his family heritage traces back to Iraq. This deep dive into historical contexts aims to counter claims that depict Jews as foreign interlopers in the region.

Massacres and Memory

The documentary also addresses topics such as the massacres that pushed Jewish communities to the brink. The notorious Farhud pogrom of 1941 in Baghdad is highlighted, where nearly 200 Jews lost their lives. Judy Feld Carr, a key advocate who helped rescue Syrian Jews, explains that many historic Jewish communities in cities like Cairo and Aleppo have been wiped from memory, rendering these past injustices largely unrecognized today.

Comparison with Palestinian Refugees

Moreover, while Palestinian refugees receive dedicated UN support through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the plight of Jewish refugees from Arab nations is often overlooked. Critiques of UNRWA suggest that it perpetuates victimhood rather than facilitating integration, a dynamic explained by documentarian Simcha Jacobovici: 'Every refugee population in the world goes down over time… you had 700,000 Jewish refugees from Arab lands; they don’t exist as refugees.'

Conclusion

As the film lays bare these historical narratives, it serves to remind viewers that the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not just a tale of Palestinians facing displacement but also encompasses the largely forgotten stories of Jewish populations that once flourished in Arab lands—a stark reminder of how intertwined their histories are.

This enlightening documentary, featuring voices both from the past and present, urges audiences to reconnect with a narrative of displacement that has persisted through decades, revealing the universal tragedy of lost communities and the importance of remembering history in all its complexity. Would you dare to learn about the untold sufferings and resilience of those who once called the Arab world home?