Sidon against Beirut: Space, Control, and the Limits of Sectarianism within the Jewish Community of Modern Lebanon

Abstract When the State of Greater Lebanon was established in 1920, Jewish Community Council Beirut officially recognized as central administrative body within Lebanon, and although smaller communities such Sidon Tripoli also had their own councils they were consequently made subject to authority Beirut. In this context political overhaul, I argue that some actors use “from below” opportunities provided by sectarianism above”—or national sectarianism—to garner control over all structures Lebanon. But examining particular activities around Israelite (al-Majlis al-Milli al-Isra'ili bi-Sayda), show how why these attempts practice new forms met with resistance, despite connections tied Lebanon's Jews together administratively one community.