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The Arab Republic of Egypt is the most populous Arab country, situated in the extreme northeast corner of the African continent. Its northern coast lies along the Mediterranean Sea and its eastern coast along the Red Sea. Egypt was a province of the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire from 1517 to 1914, although from time to time exercising a wide degree of autonomy, in particular from the early nineteenth century as a monarchy under the rule of the Khedive. From 1882 to 1914, the country, whilst still nominally Turkish, was effectively under British control. In 1914, it became a British protectorate with a native Sultan. Nominal independence, as the Kingdom of Egypt, was granted in 1922, full independence being achieved in 1936. Following a revolution in 1952, the Republic of Egypt was declared in 1953. In 1958, the country united with Syria to form the United Arab Republic, which continued to be Egypt's official name even after the secession of Syria in 1961. In 1971, the country was renamed the Arab Republic of Egypt.

In 1947, the Jewish community in Egypt still numbered approximately 80,000. Following the UN resolution for the partition of Palestine (November 1947), Jewish property was confiscated and many Jews were arrested. About half of the Jewish population had emigrated by 1956, only some 40,000 people remaining. Following the 1956 Sinai campaign many more escaped from the country. By 1967, only about 2,500 Jews remained in Egypt, and many were arrested when the Six Day War broke out. Only about 100 Jews remain in Egypt today, in two communities, Cairo and Alexandria. The only functioning synagogue in Cairo is Shaar Hashamaim. [March 2009]

Australian War Graves Commission - Egypt: The Australian Jewish Historical Society-Victoria Inc. has records of Jewish soldiers buried in Australian and overseas cemeteries maintained by the Australian War Graves Commission. Further information may be obtained from the Honorary Secretary, Mrs. Beverley Davis, P.O. Box 255, Camberwell, Victoria 3124 for Cairo (Basatin): Jewish Cemetery, Cairo; War Memorial Cemetery, Chatby; Jewish Cemeteries, Alexandria; and Alexandria, Kantara War Memorial Cemetery.