Personal Stories

Libyan Jews and their descendants share memories of home, the riots that drove them out, and the new lives they built in Israel, Italy, and beyond.

Written Narratives

Libyan Oral History Collection

In their own words

Oral Histories from Libya

JIMENA has recorded the memories of Jews from across the Middle East and North Africa. These interviews with Jews from Libya tell of the communities they grew up in and the journeys that followed.

Gina Bublil-Waldman

Tripoli, 1948. Expelled in 1967; later a cofounder of JIMENA.

Joseph Maimon

Tripoli, 1935. Escaping the pogroms of 1967.

Penina Meghnagi Solomon

Tripoli. Jewish life in Libya and her family's departure.

Asher Naim

Leaving for the Land of Israel in 1945, and a return visit to Libya.

Watch the oral histories from Libya →

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Timeline of Jewish Presence

View chronological details of Jewish life and presence in Libya.

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