User:Gruzinim/sandbox/Iraqi Jews

Iraqi Jews (יְהוּדִים בָּבְלִים, Babylonian Jews, Yehudim Bavlim, اليهود العراقيون al-Yahūd al-ʿIrāqiyyūn) are Jews whose ancestors lived in the region of the modern state of Iraq. There has been a presence of Jews in Babylon since the 6th century BCE; making them one of the world's oldest Jewish communities. The Babylonian Jewish community is associated with some of the most important events in Jewish history. Ezra's return to Judea from Babylon led to significant changes in Judaism and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Talmud was compiled in what is now Iraq by Babylonian Jews.

The religious and cultural traditions of Iraqi Jews are still kept alive today in by strong communities now established in the State of Israel, especially in Or Yehuda, Givyatayim and Kiryat Gat. The vast majority of Iraqi Jews live in Israel, while smaller communities in the Jewish diaspora exist in Britain, Australia, Canada and the United States.

Australia
In 1969, when Iraqi Jews were being persecuted, Australia granted refugee status to any Iraqi Jews who managed to reach the country. Today there are around 20,000 Iraqi Jewish Australians. They are known for being observant.

Canada
There are 25,000 Iraqi Jews in Canada, with most living in Montreal or Ontario. They came as refugees in the 1950s.