FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  

October 5, 2014

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General Information on International Mizrahi Remembrance Initiatives Honoring Jewish Refugees From Arab Countries

San Francisco, CA – November 30th, 2014 will mark Israel’s first official “Day of Commemoration” for the 850,000 Mizrahi refugees – Jews who were displaced from Arab countries and Iran in the 20th century, bringing an abrupt and damaging near-end to their 2,500-year presence in the Arab world. JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, a nonprofit that seeks universal recognition of the Mizrahi refugee experience and heritage, will honor this pivotal moment with their “Mizrahi Remembrance Month: Honoring Jewish Refugees from Arab Countries” initiative throughout November.

The date was officially recognized in June 2014, when the Israeli Knesset passed a bill designating November 30th the “Day of Commemoration.” The bill entails commemoration events and the inclusion of Mizrahi history into Israeli schools’ curriculum. This first official “Day of Commemoration” is the culmination of several years of hard work and dedication by an international team of Mizrahi Justice advocates.

“Mizrahi Remembrance Month” will raise awareness about Mizrahi heritage and refugee issues through a series of events including concerts, art exhibits, lectures and more. JIMENA is working closely with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in implementing programs in Los Angles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, IL and campuses nation-wide. Similar programs are being coordinated by Justice for Jews from Arab Countries (JJAC) and Harif in New York, Washington D.C, and London.  The month will conclude with commemoration programs in Israel.

The initiative kicked off on September 16th, with a reception at the Sephardic Music Festival headquarters in Los Angeles. Full programming details forthcoming – stay tuned for opportunities to participate in this monumental occasion honoring and celebrating Mizrahi history and culture.

For further information please contact:

JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa

Tel: (415) 626-5062

info@jimena.org

www.jimena.org

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