Paris 26/04/2005
Dear Editor, Dear M. Amiram Barkat,
Your thorough and informative article of 21/04/2005 about Egyptian Jews has touched the core of the frustration many feel, with regards to safeguarding our heritage and preserving the memory of our ancestors.
The existence, in the Diaspora, of voices different to those mentioned in your article, will come as no surprise to your readers. These voices may be less colourful and less verbose, they are neither insignificant nor for that matter passive.
Respecting rather than confronting the Egyptian authorities, as well as sensibility for the safety of our brethren remaining in a complex environment, are key parameters. Your readers’ first-hand comprehension of the region’s multiple factions and mentalities, will best appreciate that only a less disdainful approach and a lower profile, which would take these two factors into account, could be conducive to a resolution.
Many initiatives have been started. Our International Association “Nebi Daniel”, with the direct help of the French & British government as well as religious and secular French Jewish institutions, has lobbied and been received by the Egyptian authorities at various levels. The determining element for both sides, as we all well know, is to have a partner for negotiations, and to be open to compromise.
We have embarked on this course with the specific mandate and encouragement of 3 European and 3 Israeli associations of Jews from Egypt, as well as numerous influential individuals among ex-Egyptian Jews across the world. We have often visited and are communicating with the local communities, who understand we are not insensitive to their position. We are hopeful the WCJE will lead to a comprehensive, unified, meaningful and constructive platform.
Allow me to correct one point in your article. HSJE did not “announce they would not participate” from the forthcoming WCJE; rather, they inelegantly withdrew their participation when confronted with different opinions. All organisations whose ambition is the safeguard of our heritage should “ride” united on the WCJE bandwagon. They would best be advised to join us in eating “ful and falafel” with the Egyptians, it is a good and cheap “fare”!
Yves Fedida,
Association Internationale Nebi Daniel