Egypt Cuts Annual Stipend to Jewish Community from New Budget
by Zach Pontz
According to anonymous blogger Elder of Ziyon, an official in Egypt’s Ministry of Social Affairs has stated that the small annual stipend that Egypt had been providing to its tiny Jewish community has been eliminated in the country’s newest budget.
Citing an article from the Masrawy news web portal, Elder of Ziyon writes: “Suad Makki, head of the Central Department for Financial and Administrative Affairs, told a meeting of the Commission on Human Rights of the Shura Council that the Egyptian government had been paying some $14,000 to the Jewish community almost every year since 1988. After the death earlier this year of Carmen Weinstein, the head of the community, Makki says that there is no longer a liaison.”
According to the report, Egypt has an estimated 20 remaining Jews, all elderly women.
Weinstein was officially succeeded by Magda Haroun following her death in April. The report does not explain why the Egyptians do not consider her to be continuing Weinstein’s role, or if the cash-strapped Egyptian government is using Weinstein’s death as an excuse.