The motto of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who last night launched three attack drones at Israel, includes both “death to Israel” and “curse the Jews,” providing some clarity about their intentions. These can also be seen in their treatment of Levi Marhabi, who is likely Yemen’s last Jew, and whom the Houthis have imprisoned since 2018. Before telling his story, Thasanya Jayasumana provides some historical background on the local Jewish community, which predates the destruction of the Second Temple and the rise of Islam. Once, Jayasumana writes, Muslim rulers guaranteed Yemenite Jewish protections. (Free registration required.)
[T]his security came with stringent social rules aimed at ensuring their visible separation from the Muslim populace. Among the many conditions, Jews were required to walk on the left side of Muslims, forbidden from constructing homes taller than those of their Muslim neighbors, and barred from riding camels or horses. Instead, they were limited to mules and donkeys, which they initially rode sidesaddle. Over time, even this modest privilege was rescinded, relegating them to making their journeys on foot.
Despite these restrictions, the Jewish community in Yemen managed to attain economic prosperity, thriving as merchants, artisans, and peddlers. . . . Starting in 1881 and continuing until 1914, a significant exodus unfolded as around 10 percent of Yemen’s Jewish population migrated to the then-Ottoman territory of Palestine.
The situation took a dire turn in 2007 when the Houthis issued direct threats against the Jewish community. . . . Marhabi is kept in inhumane prison conditions, where his health continues to deteriorate. He allegedly suffers from kidney and lung issues and has lost all his teeth from repeated torture. Other accounts indicate that he may also be partially paralyzed. Houthi officials have reportedly deprived him of food, and subjected him to physical beatings, electrical shocks, and lengthy interrogations.
Read more on Spectator Australia: https://www.spectator.com.au/2024/12/last-jew-of-yemen/