A living testament: Margalit Zinati and the lasting Jewish presence in Israel

The North of Israel is a wellspring of history, stunning landscapes, and tales of ancient times that you can almost see and smell - even without having them before your eyes. No matter whom you meet, every resident of the North has a story that unfolds like a true fairytale, whether they are Jewish, Druze, born and raised in Israel, or from far away lands.

During our last trip to the North, we were beyond fortunate to meet one of the country's true historical treasures: Margalit Zinati, a tiny and unstoppable 92 year old lady who lives in Peki’in - and a relative of Talya. Her family has remained in Israel for over 2.000 years, enduring colonizations, wars, and events that have continuously shaped this unique land.

Today, Margalit is the guardian of the town's ancient synagogue, a place that represents Peki’in’s Jewish roots despite its current Druze majority population, symbolizing the intricate social fabric of the region. She takes care of the synagogue as if it was her irreplaceable treasure, dedicated to keeping the small Jewish community of Peki’in alive and thriving.

Margalit in her house in Pki'in.

The Zinati family as the proof of a lasting Jewish heritage in the country

Peki’in and Jerusalem are the only two places in Israel where Jews have lived continuously since the destruction of the Second Temple - evidence that refutes the narrative of Israelis as “white colonial settlers”, showcasing a legacy of unbroken presence in this region.

For over two millennia, the Zinati family has preserved their ancestral heritage in Peki’in, a village tucked away in the mountains of the Galilee. Unlike most Jewish communities, Margalit Zinati’s family lineage is neither Sephardic, Ashkenazi, nor Yemenite: instead, her ancestry traces directly back to the Kohanim, the Jewish priests who fled Jerusalem when the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. These priestly sought sanctuary across the Galilee, with some settling in Peki’in, where they continued practicing and protecting their traditions.

The village of Peki’in has a long Jewish history, though its population shrieked significantly during the Crusader and Mamluk periods. However, the Zinati family remained, becoming custodians of the town’s ancient synagogue.

A jewel that dates back to the Second Temple

The synagogue of Pki’in, believed to be the original site of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Haninah’s Talmudic school, stands as a tribute to Jewish resilience and continuity. Its interior resembles other historic synagogues in the Galilee, with large open spaces and stone benches beneath the windows. While an earthquake in 1837 damaged the structure, it was restored in the same year, and two stones said to have been brought from the Second Temple remain embedded in its walls.

Margalit Zinati, often referred to as the “last Jew of Peki’in,” embodies a link to this past. Her days begin early as she walks through the village to the synagogue, exchanging greetings with neighbors in Arabic. Visitors from around the world come to meet her, captivated by her life story and the history she carries. She welcomes them with warmth, sharing tales of her family and pointing out artifacts within the synagogue that, according to tradition, were brought by the Kohanim fleeing Jerusalem so many centuries ago.

Margalit’s dedication to her role as custodian of the synagogue is unshakable. She goes to the building daily, sweeping the floors and caring for the courtyard. Her presence reminds visitors of a rich cultural heritage, a living testament to Jewish history in a region that has been home to many communities over the centuries. Despite being the last Jewish resident of Peki’in, Margalit remains committed to preserving her family’s legacy and the town’s Jewish roots, ensuring that this small piece of Israel’s history remains accessible to all who wish to learn about it.

Through Margalit and the history she safeguards, Peki’in stands as a beacon of resilience, showcasing the endurance of Jewish heritage in Israel - a legacy that endures, unbroken, across thousands of years and countless challenges.