Jews of North Africa under French Colonialism
On Thursday, January 30, 2020, the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center in New York City is hosting an exciting and informative lecture titled The Jews of North Africa Under French Colonialism. The lecture is being given by Dr. Jessica Marglin of the University of Southern California and is part of a larger series being sponsored by the Temple named The French Jewish Experience.
It is truly amazing to see such wonderful and though provoking topics being discussed in New York City, reflects Vice President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Emmanuil Grinshpun. Such historically important and relevant discussions shall foster a further exploration amongst the diaspora and community.
Emmanuil Grinshpun: French North Africa was an area in Northern Africa controlled by France during the 19th and 20th century colonial era. The center of the area is considered to be French Algeria. Morocco and Tunisia were also under French control at one time. During this period, there were many Jewish people living in French controlled North Africa. Many historians and professors have explored and documented their experiences during this time. Prior to 1948, and the founding of Israel, there were nearly 250,000 to 350,000 Jewish people living in Morocco. Today, that number is less than 2000.
Dr. Jessica Marglin is an Associate Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California. Her research and work are focused upon Jews and Jewish-Muslim relations in modern North Africa and the Mediterranean. She is a widely published author having a book project titled Across Legal Lines: Jews and Muslims in Modern Morocco. Dr. Marglin completed her Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University, a Master of Arts degree in Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts at Harvard College.
Northern Africa has a complicated history with Europe through colonialism, and an intricate relationship with Israel in light of geographic proximity, reflects Emmanuil Grinshpun. There increasing reports of anti-Semitic acts throughout the world. Now is an increasingly important time to not only remember the past but learn from its important lessons. Jewish people have a long history in France and are an integral part of French life.
The lecture series shall explore the paradox between French ideals and Jewish realities and paint a portrait of the diversity and creativity of France’s Jews since the time of the Revolution. Further details on the upcoming lecture series are accessible on the Temple’s website.
Originally Posted: http://www.emmanuilgrinshpun.com/jews-north-africa-under-french-colonialism/
