Call for Papers: Maritime Connections: Jews and the Red Sea — International Conference

The American Sephardi Federation, The Shazar Center for Jewish History, E’ele Be’Tamar Association, and Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies present:

Maritime Connections: Jews and the Red Sea — International Conference

Join this international gathering to explore the enduring connections among Jewish communities across the Red Sea and their contributions to the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Throughout history, the Red Sea has served as a vital maritime corridor connecting East Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, facilitating the movement of people, goods, traditions, and knowledge.

This international conference will explore the often-overlooked role of Jewish communities in shaping the region’s interconnected history, highlighting the networks of trade, migration, religious exchange, and cultural interaction that linked Jewish populations across the Red Sea.

Bringing together scholars from diverse disciplines, the conference will examine Jewish experiences in Yemen, Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, southern Israel, Jordan, and neighboring regions.

Topics will include historical migration and settlement patterns, Jewish trade networks, communal connections, diaspora relationships, religious and cultural traditions, and the influence of maritime developments such as the opening of the Suez Canal.

The conference aims to encourage new research and scholarly collaboration, with proceedings contributing to an academic publication.

16–18 May 2027

American Sephardi Federation
Center for Jewish History
15 West 16th Street, New York City

Conference Program

Sunday, 16 May
Opening Session & Keynote Address

Monday, 17 May
Academic Sessions & Guided Local Tour

Tuesday, 18 May
Morning Panels & Closing Remarks

Call for Papers

Scholars are invited to submit proposals for original academic papers contributing to the study of Jewish history and experiences in the Red Sea region.

Submissions should include an abstract of up to 250 words outlining the research question, methodology, and key findings, accompanied by a short biography.

The conference will accommodate a maximum of 20 presenters to encourage meaningful discussion and scholarly engagement.

Submission Deadline: 25 November 2026

Limited funding for travel and accommodation may be available upon request.

Learn More & Submit Your Proposal!

Organized by: Shazar Center for Jewish History, E’ele Be’Tamar Association, and Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies.

Hosted at: American Sephardi Federation  @The Center for Jewish History, NYC