From Seattletimes · · 1m 50s
Israel-Lebanon agreement reveals lost Jewish community
Israel's deal with Lebanon to find missing Jewish leaders sparks memories of Lebanon's Jewish diaspora.
In brief
Israel's deal with Lebanon to find missing Jewish leaders sparks memories of Lebanon's Jewish diaspora. Israel agreed to release five Lebanese civilians in exchange for help locating Jewish leaders killed during Lebanon's civil war. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Rabbi Elie Abadie's Lebanese roots
Rabbi Elie Abadie left Lebanon over 50 years ago but keeps his Lebanese identity strong.
3,000 Arabic songs on phone
Rabbi Abadie has 3,000 Arabic songs on his smartphone and cooks Lebanese dishes with his wife.
Lebanese Jewish community history
Lebanese Jews once numbered 18,000 to 20,000 living in central Beirut's valley of the Jews.
1967 war triggers Jewish insecurity
After the 1967 war, Lebanon's Jewish community felt threatened by pro-western and palestinian factions.
Civil war displaces Jewish leaders
Lebanese civil war led to 17,000 missing Lebanese Jews including prominent Jewish leaders.
Seven Jewish leaders missing
At least seven Jewish leaders are among 17,000 missing Lebanese people since the civil war ended.
Israel's deal with Lebanon
Israel agreed to release five civilians in exchange for help finding Jewish leaders killed in 1980s.
Rabbi Abadie's memories
Rabbi Abadie recalls Lebanon's 1960s as 'best days' with beautiful beaches and mountain resorts.
Jewish community scattered
Only about 20 Jews remain in Lebanon, scattered across the country with few synagogues.
Lebanese Jewish community in decline
Lebanese Jews left Lebanon after 1967 war due to anti-jewish sentiment and security fears.
Current status of Jewish community
Five synagogues remain in Lebanon, with one in Sidon's old quarter still standing.
Dany Liniado's identity
Dany Liniado left Lebanon after civil war and now identifies as Lebanese, Israeli, and Mexican.
What happens next
Israel's deal with Lebanon may lead to finding missing Jewish leaders and reopening Beirut's synagogue.
The bottom line
Israel agreed to release five Lebanese civilians in exchange for help locating Jewish leaders killed during Lebanon's civil war.
