Meaning: The quote "Jews have been in Egypt since Biblical times, and Alexandria had once been, at least partially, a Jewish city" by Meir Kahane, a controversial American-Israeli rabbi and political figure, touches on the historical presence of Jews in Egypt, particularly in the city of Alexandria. This statement highlights the long-standing connection between the Jewish community and Egypt, as well as the significance of Alexandria as a center of Jewish life in the ancient world. To fully understand the context and implications of this quote, it is necessary to delve into the historical and cultural background of Jews in Egypt, as well as the importance of Alexandria as a hub of Jewish activity.

The presence of Jews in Egypt dates back to ancient times, as referenced in the Bible and other historical sources. The Hebrew Bible, particularly the Book of Exodus, recounts the story of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt and their eventual liberation from slavery under the leadership of Moses. This narrative establishes a foundational connection between the Jewish people and Egypt, shaping the historical and religious consciousness of both communities. Throughout the centuries, Jews have maintained a presence in Egypt, contributing to its cultural and intellectual life while also facing periods of persecution and discrimination.

Alexandria, in particular, holds a significant place in the history of Jewish presence in Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE, Alexandria became a cosmopolitan center of trade, scholarship, and diverse cultural influences. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean world facilitated the mingling of different ethnic and religious groups, including a substantial Jewish population. Under the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which followed Alexander's conquests, Alexandria witnessed the flourishing of Jewish communities and the development of a distinct Jewish identity within the city.

The Jewish community in Alexandria thrived, establishing synagogues, schools, and communal institutions that contributed to the city's vibrant intellectual and religious landscape. Notably, the renowned Library of Alexandria, one of the most significant repositories of knowledge in the ancient world, attracted Jewish scholars and sages who made valuable contributions to the library's collections and the broader fields of literature, philosophy, and science. The interaction between Jewish and Hellenistic cultures in Alexandria gave rise to a rich tradition of Jewish literature and thought, exemplified by the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek (the Septuagint) and the works of Jewish philosophers such as Philo of Alexandria.

However, the history of the Jewish community in Alexandria also bore witness to periods of tension and conflict, particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Political upheavals, religious disputes, and discriminatory policies at times strained the relations between Jews and other inhabitants of the city. The rise of Christianity as a dominant religious force in the Roman Empire further reshaped the dynamics of Alexandria's religious landscape, leading to challenges and opportunities for the Jewish community.

Meir Kahane's assertion about the historical presence of Jews in Egypt and the Jewish character of Alexandria reflects a recognition of the enduring legacy of Jewish civilization in the region. It underscores the complex interplay of continuity and change that has marked the history of Jews in Egypt, from ancient times to the modern era. Though the contemporary Jewish community in Egypt is much smaller than in previous centuries, with many Jews having emigrated due to political and social upheavals, the historical imprint of Jewish life in Egypt endures in cultural memory, archaeological remains, and scholarly research.

In conclusion, Meir Kahane's quote encapsulates the multifaceted historical relationship between the Jewish people and Egypt, as well as the enduring significance of Alexandria as a center of Jewish cultural and intellectual activity. By acknowledging the deep roots of Jewish presence in Egypt and the pivotal role of Alexandria in shaping Jewish identity and heritage, this statement invites further exploration of the rich and complex history of Jews in Egypt and their contributions to the broader tapestry of human civilization.