Cecile B. DeMille "Ten Commandments" version of the Biblical Exodus, may have overlooked a modern dramatic theme. I am referring to the Second Exodus of some 90,000 Egyptian Jews starting in 1948 through the late 1960’s.

The Jewish community existed in Egypt for the last 2500 years. Through the centuries, the community’s well-being depended largely on the occupying powers protection and edicts. There is periods, the community came close to the point of extinction, but never reaching it. In this century, in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, the complete disintegration of the community has been achieved under the native’s sovereignty.

Questions arise, Why did the Jews vacate? What events forced them to leave their homes, businesses, friends, and beloved country? What caused the liquidation of one of the most vibrant, dynamic Jewish communities in the world?

The Jews enjoyed their residency in Egypt and interrelated into Egyptian life only during the last century. They attained prominence in business, finance, science and education. As a minority group they were represented fairly in the Egyptian Parliamentary Institutions; (Magless El-Nuwab and Magless El-Sheyoukh).

The founding of the State of Israel in 1948, roused, and sparked, a familiar, but yet not too dormant anti Semitic fervor, causing the initiation of the Second Exodus. Events been amplified by the 1956 Suez-canal invasion by Israel, France, and England, resulting in the expulsion of all foreign citizens including Jews.

In 1948/49, few Jews were arrested for subversive activities. King Farouk and the Egyptian government declared, Egyptian Jews were loyal to Egypt and no measures were contemplated against them. However certain measures were appropriated against "Zionist and Communists Jews."

In the years following the overthrow of the Egyptian monarchy, (July 26,1952), the Jews in Egypt continued to endure life without significant interference from the authorities. The military government declared its intentions to protect the lives and properties, of all citizens, and minorities regardless of their religion.

In 1953, Sheikh El-Bakiri, the Wafd Minister, described the Jews publicly as "swine". President Naguib ordered him to apologize to chief Rabbi Nahum Effendi S.E. The minister desired to apologize by phone, however president Naguib insisted it be done publicly and personally.

In November 1954, Rabbi Nahum Effendi S.E declared, the Jews of Egypt were not subjected to ethnic discrimination. "In my capacity as spiritual leader of the Jewish communities of Egypt, and in perfect accord with the members of the councils of these communities, it is my duty to declare that no discrimination exists against our communities".

Jews continued to practice their religion, and the rabbinate continued to perform its every day functions. However, many sporadic violent incidents by the Egyptians directed against the Jews have occured.

After the 1967 War, almost all Jewish males were imprisoned, their properties sequestrated , and their family’s welfare, and lives were placed in jeopardy.

Many in jail suffered humiliation and degradation under the clenched fists of their guardians,

The Jews had no choice but to board the ships and to sail to a free world. Today there is less than 100 elderly Jews left in all of Egypt, a single synagogue barely operational, always awaiting the tourist to conduct the services.