The Last Jew From Saudi Arabia

Around sixty Jewish families once lived in Najran and the small villages around it. Some worked for King Abd-al-Aziz Ibn Saud in the 1930s and 1940s, maintaining his soldiers’ weapons. Others were employed as locksmiths, carpenters and tanners. Contrary to the rule in neighboring Yemen, the Jews of Najran were allowed to carry the traditional dagger, the jambiya, on their belts. To this day, I remember the king’s soldiers spoiling me with sweets and patting my curly hair.

Najran became part of Saudi Arabia under the 1934 Ta’if Agreement, under which Saudi troops took control from Yemeni forces. In the years that followed, the Jews lived under the protection of the king and felt secure.

After the State of Israel was established in 1948, the Jews were called by the king’s representatives to gather in the main square. A convoy of camels was waiting there for 260 people, mostly children like me. I was born in 1944. Our families’ belongings were loaded onto the camels and before sunset we began walking toward the Yemeni border.

As my 80th birthday approaches, I long to return, to see my parents’ home and pray at the graves of my ancestors. I am eager to refresh the memories of my happy childhood, to taste once again the sweet dates, and to see the “Qasr al-Yahud,” Castle of the Jews, in a city that has expanded and developed dramatically since we left. It was painful to learn about the missiles launched by the Houthis against Najran in the last few years, and I’m glad to know that most of the damage has been repaired.

In recent years, the world has seen profound changes in Saudi Arabia. These changes have triggered great hopes for the future of the kingdom.

In that spirit of hope for the future, I beg His Majesty

King Salman

bin

Abdul Aziz

and His Highness

Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman

to allow me to visit Najran while I am still strong enough to travel. I yearn to get there with all my soul. I don’t know how long God will permit me to live and my dream is to bid farewell to my beloved birthplace. Please grant me this wish.

Mr. Shuker was head of the Bnei Ayish municipal council and chairman of the Public Committee to Save Yemen’s Jews. This article was translated from Hebrew by