There have been no synagogue services in Bahrain since 1947. As a result of the Abraham Accords with Israel, public gatherings are now possible again.
The small Jewish community in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, numbers just under 50 people. Despite its small size, it is not only the largest, but also the only Jewish community in the Gulf region. It is also home to the only synagogue. Until recently, however, it was dilapidated and deserted. The Jewish community only met in private.
In December 1947, a pogrom took place in Manama during the unrest in Mandatory Palestine. Arab men rampaged through the Jewish quarter, breaking into homes and businesses. The residents had fled to safety beforehand, so the enraged mob found only one Jewish woman. The Arabs murdered her on the spot. The synagogue was also destroyed that day. As a result, over half of Bahrain's Jewish population left the country, leaving approximately 600. After the Six-Day War in 1967, almost all of them fled. The few remaining Jews made makeshift repairs to the synagogue, but it was never used again.
The community is looking for a rabbi
Last month, the synagogue's leader, Ebrahim Nonu, held the first Shabbat service in the newly renovated and furnished synagogue. The Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab states, including Bahrain, are the reason for this revival. The atmosphere is positive. The mostly elderly Bahraini Jews are looking forward to the opportunity to see relatives in Israel again or to receive visitors from there.
Only a rabbi is needed to complete the community again. Nonu hopes for a young one. He is also making plans to open a Jewish school next to the synagogue. After so many decades, Jewish life should flourish again in the region.
According to a report in the online newspaper "Times of Israel," members of the congregation drink grape juice with bread during their services. This is unlikely to be due to a lack of alcohol. While alcohol is prohibited in many Muslim countries, it is readily available. In Bahrain, it is sold completely legally, even to Arabs. It is one of the most liberal Arab countries. The conditions for a restart of synagogue life appear to be favorable.
