Alexandria’s Eliyah Hanavi Synagogue to Reopen its Doors in January

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities have announced that the historic Eliyah Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria will be reopened in January, following its closure in 2012 for security purposes. Restorations have been in the works since early 2017 to return it to its former architectural glory.

Built in 1354, the synagogue was restored with contributions from the Muhammed Ali dynasty in 1850, following its bombing during Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in 1798. The recent restoration project encompassed architectural as well as structural reinforcement. It also included the repair of its walls, an update to its lighting and the introduction of a new security system.

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enani toured the synagogue amongst other sites in Alexandria, such as the Greco-Roman Museum, which has also been undergoing restorations. The statement by the ministry expressed that the restoration will help their goal of preserving Egypt’s many archaeological sites.

The synagogue was added to The World Monument Watch in 2018 as part of the New York-based World Monument Fund, which works towards saving the world’s cultural treasures.

(*** Photo credits: The Ministry of Antiquities' Facebook page)