How the Jews of Djerba Escaped Nazi Destruction

Djerba is an island located east of Tunisia, mentioned in ancient history. Greek hero Odysseus stopped there after the Trojan War, finding a nation of lotus-eaters. Later, it served as a pirate base and today is a popular tourist spot. However, today we focus on Djerba's ancient Jewish community, rooted deeply in Jewish history and still active. Unlike other Middle Eastern communities, Djerba's Jewish community thrives, echoing with the learning of Torah.

Rabbi Eliyahu Kalfon, a sage from Djerba, writes in his book, "Brit Kehuna": "Our city, the island of Djerba, is very ancient and according to our teacher Rabbi Shaul HaKohen, was settled by our fellow Israelites since the First Temple's destruction."

Indeed, Djerba boasts two Jewish communities: "Hara El Kabira" (the large village) in the south, claiming descent from the tribe of Zebulun, sailors from the times of King Solomon. "Hara El Zaghira" (the small village) on the other side, holds a tradition of priests who fled Jerusalem during the First Temple's destruction, bringing with them a gate from the Temple, now part of the famous synagogue, "El Ghriba."

El Ghriba Synagogue is one of the oldest in the world, still active. Its name means "The Marvelous," linked to a legend about a wondrous girl who supposedly perished in a fire but appeared alive. Originally, congregants sat on mats and removed their shoes upon entry; benches were added only a generation ago. The study hall of Yeshiva "Kisei Rachamim" in Bnei Brak is modeled after El Ghriba.

According to tradition, Ezra the Scribe visited Djerba before ascending to Israel, seeking Levites to serve in the Second Temple. The island's Levites refused, prompting Ezra's curse that they would not live long. Consequently, Djerba lacks Levites but is abundant with Kohanim. It's common during Torah reading to search for an "Israel" member when a Kohen is needed, and when none are found, the Kohanim take the aliyot.

Notable scholars from the city include Rabbi Shaul HaKohen; Rabbi Rachamim Khouri; Rabbi Chai Taieb; and the head of Yeshivat Kisei Rachamim, Rabbi Matzliach Mazouz, who was murdered by Arab rioters in 1971. His son, the esteemed Rabbi Meir, established Yeshivat Kisei Rachamim in Bnei Brak, preserving Tunisian learning traditions and Torah reading.

Many scholars of Djerba authored legal texts. One local book documents an 800-year-old genealogy scroll from "Rabbi Isaac the Elder from the exile" in the 12th century. Cairo Geniza discoveries include a Djerba Jew's letter, still preserved, written in Judeo-Arabic in Rashi script, dated early 12th century.

In November 1942, the Nazis occupied Tunisia, forming a Jewish council and oppressing Jews in various ways, killing around 600. In January 1943, the Nazis invaded Djerba. On Shabbat Parashat Terumah 5703 (February 13, 1943), at 9:30 AM, two trucks arrived at the "Kohanim" synagogue in "Hara Kabira," where Rabbi Kalfon Moshe HaKohen prayed. Nazis demanded 50 kilograms of gold as ransom within 3 hours, threatening the community with death and plunder.

Rabbi Moshe Kalfon wisely responded that he needed to inform their brethren in the small quarter. His goal was to share the burden and prevent a similar decree on the small quarter. The Germans relented and took him to the small quarter.

Later it was revealed that a German plane hovered above as the Rabbi traveled to the small quarter. The jeep and plane signaled each other, discussing whether to bomb the quarter, postponing action until the gold was delivered. The demand delayed till the war's end.

Faced with this decree, the Shabbat prayer in the large quarter was disrupted. The community was in great fear, with a public call: "Esteemed congregation! In the name of the rabbinate, anyone with gold, jewelry, or raw, must bring it immediately to 'Kohanim' synagogue's court. If there's buried jewelry, unearth it and break Shabbat to save lives; not doing so renders your gold like an idol, and forbidden for pleasure." This decree left a deep impression, leading many to bring all their gold.

The historian Yonatan Mazouz recounts: "At that time, Rabbi Rachamim Chai Huete HaKohen personally walked the streets with a basket, collecting gold, weeping."

After three hours, only 43 kilograms of gold had been gathered. The Germans released the Rabbi, granting an extension to collect more gold by the next day. That night, Jewish jewelers were summoned to melt gold and mix it with copper to reach the required weight. The next morning saw massive explosions and airplane sounds. The English and Americans attacked, forcing the Germans from Djerba, leaving none behind. Thus, through divine intervention and gold greed, Djerba's Jews were saved from annihilation.

Post-war, Tunisia's government committed to compensation for war damages, including the gold loss. Some rejoiced, while others, viewing the gold as atonement, refused compensation.

Djerba's Jewish population dwindled post-independence, with many immigrating to Israel, yet hundreds remain, preserving their ancient traditions. Djerba now hosts fifteen synagogues and two boys' yeshivas, as well as a private girls' school. Children study from a special traditional Chumash with translations in the unique dialect spoken by Djerba's Jews, blending Arabic.