North Africa Jewish Heritage Center, Jewish heritage museum in Jerusalem, Israel
The North Africa Jewish Heritage Center is a museum in Jerusalem dedicated to the history and culture of Jewish communities from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The collection includes artifacts, documents, and photographs that document the daily life and traditions of these populations.
The building itself dates to 1865 and was the first structure in the Mahane Israel neighborhood, built by David ben Shimon for the North African Jewish community. Over time it evolved into an important place to preserve the heritage and stories of these communities.
The center reveals how North African Jewish communities maintained their way of life through generations, displaying their customs, religious celebrations, and traditional crafts. Visitors can observe how these groups preserved their identity through everyday objects and artistic practices.
The museum is located in the city center and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should check current opening hours in advance as these can vary seasonally.
During the extensive restoration, Moroccan artisans were brought in to recreate traditional zellige mosaic tile patterns throughout the building. These handcrafted tileworks echo the artistic techniques that the North African communities themselves practiced.
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