Cave-dwelling Jews

[4][5][6] After Libya gained independence, most Jews, including those of Gharyan, migrated to Israel to make aliyah due to worsened conditions such as pogroms.

[7] At present, many of these caves are occupied by Libyans, who modernized the dwellings, including the addition of electricity, running water, and sewage disposal.

A little, wooden door opens before the traveler, and he enters into a kind of dark and uneven gallery, sloping all the way, to traverse which safely[,] practice alone is essential.

The natives find subterranean life very natural and comfortable, though the traveler scarcely feels at ease.

The Synagogue of the village Beni-Abbas is also situated in a cave, but the access is open and easy, and its roof is even above the level of the ground.