Yemen’s Last Jew and a History of Persecution

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.)