Horia Haim F. Ghiuzeli: Centuries-old history of the family names of the Jews of Morocco

Horia Haim F. Ghiuzeli

Horia Haim F. Ghiuzeli, a historian, is the Director of the Databases of ANU – Museum of the Jewish People. The presentation focuses on the centuries-old history of the family names of the Jews of Morocco.  Surnames may provide an insight into the geographical origins of some families or into the occupations of their ancestors, the role they played in the life of their communities and the way family members were perceived by their neighbors and friends. Understanding the rich linguistic background of the Jews of Morocco is an essential clue for a correct interpretation of the meaning of their family names. A knowledge of the meaning of these family names may reveal details about past Jewish life in Morocco and could be instrumental for a successful research of family roots.

Professor of Religious Studies of Judaic and Sephardi Studies at the University of Miami – founder of Sephardic Voices – whose latest book published through Just in Press is SEPHARDI VOICES: The Untold Expulsion of Jews from Arab Lands  

Participant Sete Bentata, a renowned architect born in Tetouan, Morocco, tracing her family story.