Personal Message to Potential Donors
As you are no doubt aware the Jews of Egypt were an important and vibrant Community until the 3 wars between Egypt and Israel saw their cruel exile (history). There are now a handful of Jews in Egypt and, although they appear to run their own affairs, they are under severe pressure and scrutiny from Government Agencies. During 2007 we visited Egypt and had discussions with the leaders of the “Communities” of Cairo and Alexandria. Their situation was desperate as Synagogues, cemeteries and other properties as well as community records (births, marriages and deaths), a large number of sefarim, religious artefacts and other community assets are in a sorry state and there is no mechanism for Jews from Egypt in the Diaspora to assist.
Many initiatives in recent times and in many countries have managed to bring us together. Congresses have been organised, conferences, trips to Egypt, books published, web sites created, chat rooms, etc. These are all important and commendable initiatives that have enabled many families and friends to be reunited and memories revived. (links)
The Nebi Daniel International Association (Nebidaniel) of which I am a founding member has spent years negotiating with Egyptian Government ministers and officials and we were getting close to our objective of getting the community records copied when the “Arab Spring” intervened and we have to start all over again.
At the World Congress of the Jews of Egypt in Haifa in July 2006, My wife Racheline and I decided to set up an Endowment at Haifa University for the Study & Research of the History and Culture of the Jews of Egypt (see attached WCJE Final Resolutions). I have personally entered with the University into an agreement (attached copy) whereby:
1. We contribute $US50,000 (letter dated 24 December 2006 attached)
2. We undertake a world wide funding campaign.
3. The University undertakes to establish a chair, if we raise a minimum of $US300,000.
As you can see from the agreement, (documents) the funds raised remain in an investment account. The principal stays intact and only part of the Income will be used to finance the chair. It means that this initiative will last in perpetuity, long after we, the remaining witnesses of this 2nd Exodus have long disappeared. In 2011 the deadline was extended to December 2013 (attached copy).
Last Century, the Jewish Communities in Egypt made substantial (contributions) to the development of modern Egypt in every realm of endeavour, far beyond their relative numbers. It is important to record this proud history with an academic institution of the high reputation of the University of Haifa; (University of Haifa) not only to allow our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to realise who we were but also to counter the negative campaign of the Arab media and inscribe our history within the narrative of the various diasporas of the modern era.
I am sure you will agree that Education is the best way to respond to misinformation, propaganda and ignorance and I hope my initiative will achieve this purpose.
Originally we were hoping that this project would receive the support of some of the 'super' wealthy Jews of Egypt in the Diaspora. Two or three large contributions would have sufficed to establish the Trust Fund. Unfortunately this has not happened as each philanthropist has his or her own priorities and I am now depending on a larger number of smaller donors. Ultimately this might be better as it will give the Endowment more legitimacy.
We are looking for your kind support and contribution. Donations are tax deductible in the USA and in many countries of Europe (how to donate). Every donation will be acknowledged, recognised and honoured no matter how large or how small (questions & answers - recognitions). Whether you contribute or not, please circularise this appeal among your friends and family as word of mouth is the best way to make this project known.
Joe & RachelineBarda