For the last three years, after I joined the Center’s executive board, I have had the honor and pleasure to be part of the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center, a valuable and wonderful institute whose aim is to commemorate the glorious legacy of the Jews of Babylonia.

Now, with my appointment as the Center’s Managing Director, I am excited to have the opportunity to join those who are involved in the important daily work of preserving this “jewel” and moving it forward.

As the daughter of parents who were active in the Zionist Underground Movement (Avraham-Nahum Dayan of blessed memory and Audrey (Sofer) Dayan), I grew up on the stories, the language, the pride and the culinary treats of this great culture.

My parents fled Iraq and journeyed to the Land of Israel illegally. They were caught, imprisoned and endured numerous hardships on their way to Israel. Once there, they also struggled quite a bit, moved around a lot, lived in transition camps and experienced the difficulties of absorption, until eventually settled in Nazareth Illit, a newly-founded town. They grew with it, and I, too, grew up there.

As the Center’s Managing Director, I consider as one of my greatest challenges bringing in younger people and encouraging the middle and younger generations to participate in the Center’s wide range of activities. I want our younger community members and their families to enlarge and deepen their understanding of Babylonian Jewish history and culture, thereby helping to preserve the legacy of our parents and grandparents.

I will do my utmost to attract people of the most varied backgrounds to the Center, to see the exhibitions, use the resources, enjoy events at the Center, and to experience the beauty of our culture.

My door will be open to any initiative, advice and request.

I wish us all much success,

Aliza Dayan-Hamama, Managing Director

aliza@bjhc.org.il