The Policy of Italy Toward Jewish of Libya 1929-1933

Abstract

The ethnic diversity of Libya in the first half of the 20th century was accompanied by a corresponding diversity in Italy’s policies toward its population. The Jewish community in Libya constituted a significant proportion, numbering between 6,500 to 7,000 individuals, primarily concentrated in the capital city of Tripoli and the eastern district of Cyrenaica, with its capital Benghazi. However, Italy’s treatment of Libyan Jews was characterized as discriminatory, and some authors even described it as arbitrary. This discrimination intensified during the rule of General Pietro Badoglio, who departed from previous policies and denied Libyan Jews the same rights and privileges granted to Italian Jews. Upon Italy’s occupation of Libya, a distinct policy toward the Jewish population emerged. Initially, Jews were granted official status and played a crucial role in the Libyan economy. They actively engaged in learning the Italian language and adopting European customs. However, as fascism gained power, the Italian government began to view Libyan Jews as indigenous Muslims rather than Italians. Governor-General Italo Balbo, during his term, accelerated the modernization of Jewish communities while respecting their traditions. Nevertheless, tensions arose, such as when Jews closed their shops on the Sabbath, leading to punitive measures. The situation deteriorated further after 1933 due to Italy’s adoption of racial laws, which affected Libyan Jews significantly. Ultimately, the Jewish population in Libya dwindled, and today, there are no Jews remaining in the country.

Keywords

• Pietro Badoglio, Impero Italiano, Jewish Taxes, Elberto Monesterot