The History of Judaism in North Africa

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer
Judaism has a long and deeply intertwined history with North Africa, particularly in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This history spans over two millennia, shaped by waves of migration, cultural exchanges, colonial interventions, and modern geopolitics. Despite significant challenges, the Jewish communities in these countries left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural, economic, and intellectual life.
Ancient Beginnings: Jewish Presence in North Africa
The Jewish presence in North Africa dates back to antiquity, possibly as early as the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) or the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. However, substantial evidence points to Jewish migration to North Africa following the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, when thousands of Jews fled to various parts of the Mediterranean, including North Africa.
Under the Roman Empire, Jewish communities flourished in cities like Carthage (modern Tunisia) and Cirta (modern Algeria). Jewish traders and scholars contributed significantly to commerce and urban development. The arrival of the Berbers, many of whom later converted to Judaism, further expanded Jewish influence in the region. By the early medieval period, Jewish communities had taken root in major cities, forming part of the social and economic fabric of North African society.

The Islamic Era and Jewish Prosperity
With the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, Jewish life in North Africa changed dramatically. The region became part of the vast Islamic caliphates, starting with the Umayyads and later the Abbasids and Fatimids. As “People of the Book,” Jews were granted dhimmi status, which provided them with protection in exchange for paying a special tax (jizya). Under Islamic rule, Jewish communities were generally allowed to practice their faith and engage in trade, scholarship, and craftsmanship.
During the Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries), Jewish scholars in North Africa contributed to philosophy, medicine, and science. One of the most notable figures from this period was Maimonides (1138–1204), who was born in Cordoba, Spain, but later sought refuge in Fez, Morocco, before settling in Egypt. His writings influenced both Jewish and Islamic thought, highlighting the interconnected intellectual traditions of the time.
Jewish Life Under the Almohads and Almoravids
Despite periods of relative prosperity, Jewish communities also faced persecution, particularly under the Almohad dynasty (12th-13th centuries). The Almohads, who followed a strict interpretation of Islam, forced many Jews in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia to either convert to Islam or flee. Many sought refuge in Christian Spain or in other Muslim lands with more tolerant rulers.
However, the situation improved under the succeeding Marinid and Hafsid dynasties, which reinstated Jewish rights and allowed communities to rebuild. Jewish quarters, or Mellahs, were established in Moroccan cities like Fez, Marrakech, and Meknes, where Jews lived semi-autonomously but under state protection.

The Sephardic Influence: Jews in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia
The 15th century marked a turning point for North African Jewry. The Spanish Reconquista and the subsequent Alhambra Decree of 1492, which expelled Jews from Spain, led to a massive influx of Sephardic Jews into North Africa. Many settled in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, bringing with them a rich heritage of Spanish-Jewish culture, language (Ladino), and commercial expertise.
Morocco, in particular, became a major hub for Sephardic Jews, with Jewish traders playing a key role in trans-Saharan trade. Prominent Jewish families such as the Toledanos, Corcos, and Benchetrits emerged as influential figures in Moroccan society. Similarly, in Algeria and Tunisia, Jewish communities strengthened their presence in commerce and finance, often serving as intermediaries between European and local markets.
Colonial Rule and Its Impact on Jewish Communities
The arrival of European colonial powers in North Africa during the 19th century significantly altered the status of Jews. Under French colonial rule in Algeria (1830-1962), Jews were granted French citizenship through the Crémieux Decree of 1870, which legally distinguished them from Muslims. This led to tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities, as Jews were often perceived as allies of the French colonial administration.
In Morocco and Tunisia, which became French protectorates in 1912 and 1881 respectively, Jews saw improvements in legal rights and economic opportunities. However, colonial rule also brought about European-style antisemitism, particularly during the Vichy regime in World War II, when discriminatory laws were imposed on Jews in all three countries.

Independence and the Exodus of Jews in North Africa
The mid-20th century witnessed the mass exodus of Jews from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. As nationalist movements gained strength and independence was achieved (Morocco and Tunisia in 1956, Algeria in 1962), Jews faced increasing uncertainty. Many emigrated to France, Canada and occupied Palestine due to fears of political instability, anti-Jewish riots, and the growing Arab-Israeli conflict.
- In Morocco, where Jews had long enjoyed royal protection, emigration accelerated in the 1950s and 1960s, though King Mohammed V opposed antisemitic policies.
- In Algeria, nearly all Jews left following the country’s independence, as they were not recognized as Algerian citizens under the new nationalist government.
- In Tunisia, Jews faced a mix of protection and restrictions, leading many to migrate, though a small Jewish population still remains in places like Djerba.

The Legacy of North African Jewry
Today, while the Jewish population in North Africa has significantly declined, the legacy of Jewish contributions to Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian society remains visible. In Morocco, the government has taken steps to restore Jewish heritage sites and maintain the memory of the once-thriving Jewish communities. In Tunisia, the annual pilgrimage to the El Ghriba Synagogue in Djerba continues to attract Jewish visitors from around the world.
The history of Judaism in North Africa is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Jewish communities in the face of shifting political and social landscapes. Despite the challenges, the cultural and historical imprints of Jews in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia remain an integral part of North Africa’s diverse and complex history.
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