Dr. Arye Cohen conducted three major research projects on the Jews of Syria and Lebanon. His master’s thesis centers on the illegal immigration by land of the Jews of Syria and Lebanon, 1939-1949; his doctoral dissertation explores the Jews of Syria and Lebanon – their condition and the struggle to save them from 1930-2000; and his comprehensive work “Northerners to the Homeland” focuses on four major themes: the condition of the Jews in those countries; the effort to save them; their daring departure, their flight and their immigration; their absorption in Israel.

Interviews were an essential methodological component for these essays. The research is based on 250 members of the Syrian-Lebanese Jewish community, including new immigrants and veterans, community activists with official positions, government and non-government, members of different organizations, former military personnel, and more.

Most of the interviews were conducted from 1996-2000 (the transcripts are in Hebrew alone).

List of Interviews:

Herzl Institute (2010)

Trancribed by: Ran Nave