15 Facts About Haim Farhi

Farhi was a chief advisor to Jazzar Pasha, an Ottoman governor based in Acre, whose whims included blinding Farhi and leaving him physically scarred.

Haim Farhi extended his protection to the Jewish communities of Palestine, especially those of Tiberias and Safed, who were under the jurisdiction of the governors of the Sidon Eyalet.

Haim Farhi's troops rose in revolt and murdered their leader.

Haim Farhi settled in Tiberias, which was restored from its ruinous state.

Haim Farhi was born to a respected and ancient Jewish family in Damascus.

Together with other family members, Haim Farhi worked as a financial agent in the Damascus district.

Haim Farhi succeeded his father as banker of the ruler of Damascus.

Haim Farhi gained extensive influence with the Turkish government and became the adviser to Ahmad al-Jazzar, ruler of Acre.

Haim Farhi provided support for Jewish immigrants who made aliyah and settled in Safed and Tiberias, including Hassidim, Perushim, and Ma'aravim, offering assistance with their tax burdens.

Sulayman continued working with Haim Farhi and employed him much as his own father had.

Sulayman held sway over the region until his death in 1819, when he bequeathed his power to Haim Farhi's adopted son, Abdullah Pasha ibn Ali, the orphan of a bey who had died prematurely.

When Haim Farhi got word of the decision, he refused to flee, believing such an action would imperil his fellow Jews in the kingdom.

Haim Farhi's family was denied permission to bury his body.

The family assets were expropriated and Haim Farhi's body was cast into the sea.

When word of Haim Farhi's murder reached Damascus, his brothers, Salomon, Raphael, and Moise, swore to avenge him.