The Misclassification of Mizrahi Jews in the Middle East: A Cultural and Linguistic Perspective

In the Middle East, the classification of Mizrahi Jews is often misunderstood and misapplied. This article explores the cultural and linguistic aspects that elucidate why Mizrahi Jews are not considered to be Arabs by many in Israel and the United States, despite some linguistic connections.

Understanding the Classification of Mizrahi Jews

Mizrahi Jews, who originated from the Middle East and North Africa, have experienced a complex history of cultural and social interactions. In Israel, as well as in the United States, there has been a tendency to conflate Mizrahi Jews with Arabs, primarily because in the past, they were sometimes treated as such. This conflation is largely based on the fact that some Mizrahi Jews spoke Arabic, whereas others maintained their distinct cultural and linguistic identities.

Historical Context: In the early years of the State of Israel, the term 'Oriental Jews' (Mizrahi) was used to describe these Jews, who were seen as different from the Ashkenazi Jews (European Jews) in terms of their cultural traditions and social practices. In the United States, Mizrahi Jews have always been distinguished from their Sephardic (Spanish and Portuguese) counterparts for their cultural and linguistic diversity.

The Misconception of Ethnic Identity

It is essential to note that not all people who speak Arabic are considered ethnic Arabs. This is a common misconception that many people, including those who self-identify as Arabs, often overlook. In reality, the term 'Arab' primarily refers to ethnic Arabs, who trace their origins back to the Arabian Peninsula (Arabia).

Despite the widespread use of the language, Arabic is not the native tongue of most people simply because they speak it. For instance, Mizrahi Jews who spoke Arabic as their native language are often wrongly regarded as Arabs, while those who did not maintain their distinct identity.

Language and Cultural Identity

The distinction between Mizrahi Jews and Arabs is further complicated by the fact that Mizrahi Jews, like other Middle Eastern groups, retained unique cultural and linguistic traits. The Mizrahi Jewish communities maintained their distinct languages, which were influenced by the populations they lived among during the diaspora. This language heritage is often derived from the local languages of the regions where they resided, while still retaining significant elements of ancient Hebrew and Aramaic vocabulary.

Yemenite and Kurdish Examples: For instance, while Yemenite Jews historically spoke languages with Arabic components, the Kurdish Jews maintained their distinct Aramaic-speaking traditions. These differences highlight the complexity of the Mizrahi Jewish cultural identity and the lack of uniformity in their language use.

The Irrelevance of the Term 'Arab Jews'

The term 'Arab Jew' is often used colloquially to describe Mizrahi Jews from the Arab world. However, this term is not only inaccurate but also dismissive of the rich cultural and linguistic diversity among these communities. It fails to recognize the distinctiveness of Mizrahi Jewish heritage and the long history of their interactions with various cultures in the Middle East.

Conclusion: The classification of Mizrahi Jews as Arabs is a misinterpretation of history and culture. While some Mizrahi Jews spoke Arabic, the majority maintained a distinct identity rooted in their own linguistic and cultural traditions. This article aims to clarify these misconceptions and provide a more nuanced understanding of the Mizrahi Jewish experience in the Middle East.