DEMOGRAPHY AND OCCUPATIONS OF THE JEWS AND THEIR RELATIONS WITH NON-JEWS

During the era of Maniluk rule in Egypt, Jews were subject to

the whim of the local rulers, who maltreated them and confiscated

their property; however during the reign of Muhammad‘All1 (18051849) their status took a turn for the better and continued to im­

prove under his successors. The Jews continued to be oppressed, but

they and their property were protected by law. This personal and financial security led to an increase in their numbers and changes in the nature of their livelihood.