| Jews of Uganda |
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Sunday, November 16 2008, 7:30pm - 9:00pm |
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 Israel
Siriri (pictured) is chairperson of the Abayudaya community
in Uganda. The Abayudaya began practicing Judaism in the early 20th
century following the conversion of the Muganda military leader, Semei
Kakungulu. Having dwindled in number
during the persecutions of Idi
Amin, the Abayudaya Jews have since undergone a revival. Their numbers
are now estimated at around 1000.
Mr Siriri's trip is sponsored by Kulanu, an organization
dedicated to finding and assisting "lost" or dispersed Jewish
communities throughout the world. During the course of history,
large segments of the Jewish
community were dislocated as a result of war, exile and forced
conversion. It's possible descendants
of the Lost Tribes might be found in Africa, India, Burma,
Afghanistan, Pakistan and China. Kulanu's activities concerning these
dispersed groups, include research, education, donation of religious
books and other materials,
facilitation of Orthodox conversion when requested, and help with
relocation to
Israel if desired.
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