Last Jew From Afghanistan Affixes Mezuzah in New Israeli Home
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Rabbi Ovadia Dahan, Chairman of the Religious Council of Ashdod, affixed a mezuzah in the new Ashdod home of Zevulun Simantov, the last Jew to leave Afghanistan. Simantov, who stayed in Kabul to protect the synagogue, immigrated to Israel in November 2024 after a special rescue operation. He is now integrating into life in Ashdod and learning Hebrew.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Ovadia Dahan affixed a mezuzah for Zevulun Simantov, the last Jew from Afghanistan, in Ashdod.
- Simantov immigrated to Israel in November 2024 after being rescued from Afghanistan in late 2021.
- He remained in Kabul for years to protect the ancient Jewish synagogue.
- Simantov is currently residing in Ashdod and learning Hebrew.
- Rabbi Dahan provided Simantov with religious items and well wishes for his new life.
Rabbi Ovadia Dahan, Chairman of the Religious Council of Ashdod, recently affixed a mezuzah at the entrance to the apartment of Zevulun Simantov, the last Jew to immigrate from Afghanistan. Simantov, who was the final remaining member of the Jewish community in Afghanistan, immigrated to Israel in November 2024 after being rescued in a special operation in late 2021. He had remained in Kabul for years to protect the ancient synagogue there, even after his family and other community members had left due to the deteriorating security situation.
Simantov's journey involved stops in the United States and Turkey before his arrival in Israel. He currently resides in Ashdod, where he is working to integrate into life in the country and learning Hebrew. He recently requested Rabbi Dahan's presence to perform the mezuzah-hanging ceremony, a request the Rabbi happily fulfilled.
During the ceremony at the "Rishonim" hostel for new immigrants, Simantov recited the blessing for affixing a mezuzah. Rabbi Dahan presented Simantov with a calendar featuring Shabbat times and a Book of Psalms, wishing him a good life in Israel, health, and joy. Simantov expressed his deep gratitude to Rabbi Dahan for fulfilling his request and for his ongoing support, particularly around Jewish holidays.