By Anash.org reporter
In a remarkable and carefully planned journey, photographer Meir Alfasi and renowned researcher of kivrei tzaddikim Rabbi Yisrael Meir Gabbai traveled to Egypt under false identities to assess the condition of Jewish cemeteries and historic burial sites scattered across the country.
Their discreet visit included extensive tours of ancient Jewish cemeteries in Cairo and Alexandria, where they documented gravestones damaged by time, neglect, and environmental wear. Along the way, they also attempted to locate and positively identify the graves of prominent figures from the long and storied history of Egyptian Jewry.
Given the political and security sensitivities surrounding such activity, the two operated with extreme caution throughout the trip. According to their account, the condition of several burial sites is deeply concerning and calls for urgent attention, while other locations showed signs of partial preservation, sometimes with surprising cooperation from local authorities.
Parts of the journey were documented and are expected to be released in the near future as part of a broader project chronicling the remnants of Jewish communities across the Arab world, offering a rare and moving glimpse into a forgotten chapter of Jewish history.