An evening of traditional Babylonian-inspired music was attended by 150 members of the Iraqi-Jewish community at Lauderdale Road Synagogue, Maida Vale.
“It’s a way to revitalise our past and promote Moreshet Babel music in the old Iraqi way,” explained synagogue elder Sabah Gabbay, who left Iraq more than 50 years ago. “We don’t want to forget our heritage.”
Synagogue minister Rabbi Israel Elia added: “I hear this music all over the Sephardi world. It’s amazing how universal it is, so we arranged a slot where a band could perform original songs that were popular among the community in Baghdad.”
The event was in aid of Israel’s Babylonian Jewry Heritage Centre.
