Last Jew of Afghanistan Settles into New Home in Ashdod

Zevlon Simintov, widely known as the last Jew in Afghanistan, has established a permanent residence in the Israeli city of Ashdod. He has been allocated a room in a municipal dormitory for new immigrants and is beginning to adjust to daily life in his new country. This week, Simintov marked a significant step in settling his home by affixing a traditional mezuzah to his entrance door. To fulfill this religious commandment, he sought assistance from the chairman of the Ashdod Religious Council who personally came to help the elderly man attach the sacred scroll. During the installation, Simintov recited the traditional blessing from a prayer book.

Simintov's unique situation garnered international attention for many years. He remained the sole custodian of an ancient synagogue in the Afghan capital even after his relatives and the rest of the Jewish community departed due to ongoing wars and persistent danger. For decades, he refused to leave Kabul, safeguarding the synagogue and serving as the last testament to centuries of Jewish presence in the country. His situation became critically dangerous following the Taliban's takeover, posing a direct threat to his life. International organizations facilitated his evacuation from Afghanistan in late 2021 through a special rescue operation.

Prior to his arrival in Israel, Simintov spent time in the United States and Turkey. He officially completed his immigration process in November 2024 and moved to Israel. Simintov is gradually adapting to his new environment, facing the typical challenges of integration and managing daily tasks. City services and local residents are providing him with ongoing support. Simintov expressed gratitude for the attention, practical assistance, and care he has received since arriving in Israel.