Yitzhak Carmeli. 'I take pictures, document and expose'
Photo: Orot
Bnei Brak's Indiana Jones
Following a fascinating journey to Morocco in his youth, Yitzhak Carmeli has dedicated his life to locating evidence of Jewish life around the world.
He risks his life travelling to Arab countries, reaches remote spots which a Jew hasn't stepped on for centuries, and searches for evidence with historical value, all in order to "perpetuate the Jewish people, wherever they existed."
The young man with the black skullcap soon found himself on a fascinating journey which has yet to end, following his very first trip to Morocco in which he was exposed Jewish assets which were nearly destroyed.
Yitzhak Carmeli was raised in an ultra-Orthodox family in the central Israeli city of Bnei Brak, but in his youth he decided he wanted to see the world like other young people his age.
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"Since the state's establishment, we have enjoyed the ingathering of the exiles," Carmeli tells Ynet and Orot Jewish TV. "Entire communities have immigrated to Israel or moved in immigration circles – from Europe, South America, Arab countries or the Far East. These communities were orphaned, but the community's assets remain: Synagogues, cemeteries and other assets."
Moving on to the next journey
In his travels, Carmeli reached places where few Jews remain, sometimes only one. "And there are places where no Jews remain at all," he says.
Yitzhak Carmeli. 'When I publish the stories, I encourage people to visit those places' (Photo: Orot)
"I don't hide the adventurousness instinct which leads me to these places, but beyond that instinct I feel I am engaging in a holy mission to reach those places and document them.
"I am talking about cemeteries and even synagogues, which the locals have taken over intentionally or unintentionally. It could also be the last Jew who is selling it for money, and I have seen such things in the Far East, mainly in India, and in other places as well. When I arrive in those places I take pictures, document and expose things."
In his journeys he reaches buildings which have changed their purpose: Churches and mosques which used to be synagogues. He has also been documented exposing the ancient Shaar Hashomayum Synagogue in Portugal.
"When I publish the stories, I encourage people to visit those places. I also turn to relevant officials, give them the information, and they take care of it. And what about me? I move on to my next journey."
