Home > Local News
Transfer of Amran Jews postponed
  Written By:   (YEMEN POST STAFF) 
  Article Date:
January 09, 2009

 

 
Yemeni Jews in Amran have expressed disappointment as their relocation to the capital Sana'a has been delayed.

The transfer was postponed on Tuesday for the third time.

The announcement was made after the Jews along with governor of Amran and Sheikh Muhammad Naji al-Shaef travelled to Sana'a to have a look at 50 houses the government has allocated for them at the Tourist City in the Sawan Area.

Yemeni Jews claimed the houses were not large enough as each Jewish household consists of 8-17 members.

Authorities then showed them other proposed residential units for them in the Al Hasaba and Al Jeraf Areas which they admired.

A Rabbi, who asked not to be identified, said authorities told them the delay comes because all arrangements for it have not been completed.

The relocation was scheduled for the first time on January 1, but it was delayed until January 3 and then until Wednesday January 6.

Yemeni Jews have been living in Yemen peacefully for hundreds of years.

But lately, they have started to experience intimidations, as Houthi rebels, according to official reports, displaced Jews, in the northern province of Saada.  

Sana'a hosted the displaced Jewish families. 

  Furthermore, a Jew was murdered in December 2008, in Amran province for religion reasons.

After the incident, Jews in the province sought a protection by authorities.

In response to their complaints, President Ali Abdullah Saleh ordered the allocation of a land plot in Sana'a and YR 2 million for every Jewish family in Amran. Jews, therefore, should sell their properties in Amran and move to Sana'a.

About 150 Jewish families live in Amran.