In The News: Jewish Federations' Efforts in Yemen Featured in Wall Street Journal

We are pleased to share with you this story that appeared recently in the Wall Street Journal that highlights some of the important work we do rescuing and helping Jews at risk around the world. Thanks to the support of many in our community, the Jewish Federation helped in the rescue of these persecuted Jews in Yemen. Your contribution makes a difference. Thank you.

From the Wall Street Journal:

"In his new suburban American home, Shaker Yakub, a Yemeni Jew, folded a large scarf in half, wrapped it around his head and tucked in his spiraling side curls. "This is how I passed for a Muslim," said the 59-year-old father of seven, improvising a turban that hid his black skullcap.

The ploy enabled Mr. Yakub and half a dozen members of his family to slip undetected out of their native town of Raida, Yemen, and travel to the capital 50 miles to the south. There, they met U.S. State Department officials conducting a clandestine operation to bring some of Yemen's last remaining Jews to America to escape rising anti-Semitic violence in his country.

In all, about 60 Yemeni Jews have resettled in the U.S. since July; officials say another 100 could still come. There were an estimated 350 in Yemen before the operation began. Some of the remainder may go to Israel and some will stay behind, most in a government enclave."

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 This story was also featured in the JTA. Read more about it here.