Museum of Libyan Jews

The museum holds Judaica objects originating from the numerous and extinct communities in Libya’s main cities and hinterland villages.

The permanent exhibition consists of items of Libyan Jewish craftsmanship (gold, silver, copper, wood and leather objects for ritual or everyday purposes), documents, photographs and textiles.

A typical market of the Jewish quarter (hara) has been reconstructed in the lower hall. A remembrance hall lists the names of the victims of pogroms in the years 1945 to 1967 and documents the persecution of Libyan Jews under  Fascist and Nazi rules. A gallery hosts art work by contemporary artists from the community.

The Jewish community in Libya was one of the oldest in the diaspora, with a presence of 2300 continuous years. The majority immigrated to Israel at the time of the establishment of the State, and the remaining were forced to leave in 1967. The Museum is located in a town close to the Lod airport, Or Yehuda, originally a camp for immigrants from Iraq and Libya. The original building was an abandoned kindergarten, since restored and expanded.

Torah Case


1940's, silver and wood


Tripoli

The museum holds Judaica objects originating from the numerous and extinct communities in Libya’s main cities and hinterland villages. The permanent exhibition consists of items of Libyan Jewish craftsmanship (gold, silver, copper, wood and leather objects for ritual or everyday purposes), documents, photographs and textiles.