Language:
English
Year of publication:
2001
Titel der Quelle:
Jewish Political Studies Review
Angaben zur Quelle:
13,3-4 (2001) 107-141
Keywords:
Jews History 1500-
;
Antisemitism
Abstract:
Although Jews in Libya were relatively safe from the mid-16th century until the mass Jewish emigration to Israel (1949-51), they did not trust the state to protect them. Under Ottoman rule, Jews were forbidden to bear arms since they were supposedly protected as "dhimmis." However, self-defense was undertaken on a local basis. In Berber regions of Tripolitania, Jews gained protection from Berber "masters" by formally becoming their "slaves." Urban Jewish defense organizations were not part of the official Jewish community. Much of their activity and structure was secret; at first they were led or trained by local strongmen, and later by Jewish policemen, Jewish soldiers in the British army, and Zionist emissaries. Jewish scouts made up part of the ranks, as did women. The self-defense was effective in cutting losses during riots, as in 1945-48, and in helping effect Jewish emigration to Palestine/Israel.
Note:
Focuses on the 19th-20th centuries.
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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