THE newly formed Association of Gulf Jewish Communities (AGJC) organised its first event to highlight its mission and mark Purim.
Purim commemorates the survival of the Jewish people who had been marked for death in ancient Persia.
The virtual event was hosted by AGJC head and Bahrain’s Jewish community leader Ebrahim Nonoo.
“We aim to enhance Jewish life in the region through AGJC overseas programmes and services such as Beth Din of Arabia, the Arabian Kosher Certification Agency, life cycle events and other community schemes,” said Mr Nonoo in his opening remarks.
The keynote speech was delivered by King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Co-existence board chairman Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who welcomed Jewish representatives from other Gulf countries attending the event.
“The Jewish community was historically welcomed in Bahrain and helped in the nation-building process. They built their synagogue in Manama where they worshipped freely,” said Dr Shaikh Khalifa.
Bahrain was once home to around 2,000 Jewish families, many having migrated here from Iraq and other countries, and now there are about 35 members remaining.
The event also featured Dubai-based calligraphy artist Indian Thoufeek Zakriya, who created artwork live – specially for the community.