Ep.170 (Video): Al Wadi

The Beirut Banyan

Click to watch: https://youtu.be/MHnUHdz1OQ4 ‘Al Wadi’ refers to the Wadi Abu Jmeel neighborhood of downtown Beirut, the city’s old Jewish quarter. This episode brings three Lebanese Jewish voices from different generations together, each sharing their own memory and complex relationship to Lebanon. ‘Al Wadi’ is designed for both the audio and video enthusiast in mind. No need to watch if you prefer to simply listen to the story. And photos / graphics are included on the YouTube version for anyone that prefers to follow visually. I started working on this episode a few days before Covid-19 became a global pandemic. And I had to make a quick decision whether to postpone altogether or carry on with a new storyline and structure (using Skype audio). I went with the latter, and decided to release this story as Part 1 of a mini-series related to the Lebanese Jewish community. Followup episodes with additional voices will emerge once travel restrictions ease. I’ve been curious about Wadi Abu Jmeel’s history since I was 12, going across the ‘Green Line’ before Solidere removed large swathes of what was left of downtown Beirut’s war-torn yet majestic architecture. By the time I began my Masters degree at AUB I started writing research assignments on the Lebanese Jewish community, and fortunately got to speak with members abroad and several still in Lebanon. I also befriended the last Lebanese Jew that remained in Wadi Abu Jmeel, Liza Nahmoud, and met her regularly before her passing in 2012. I deliberately included Beirut’s former Jewish quarter in my WalkBeirut tour, and made sure we’d reach the gates of Magen Avraham synagogue every time. Please watch or listen to the entire episode. I know it’s 90 minutes long, but I guarantee it’s worth your time. And kindly share on social media with your friends, family and fans, or anyone you think would be interested in the story. The podcast audience keeps growing, and it’s all thanks to you spreading the word. The more listeners and viewers, the better. Regional wars forced identities on all of us. But it tore Lebanese Jews from their homes, and guaranteed they’d never return. Even if it’s left to history texts and the like, I hope we collectively recognize our 18th sect as a missing part of Lebanon - and Lebanese - through and through. Wadi Abu Jmeel is empty. Magen Avraham is locked and without service. But Lebanese Jewish memory, abroad and slowly vanishing, is worth preserving. Special thanks to Marc Codsi for composing the podcast’s music, and to Maryline Hayek for her endless Photoshop skills. If you’re enjoying The Beirut Banyan, please consider a contribution via Patreon or Paypal (links in the details box). And as always…thanks for listening. And thanks for watching.