(LIBYA)

The family name "Chalfon" figures prominently in the annals of Tripolitan Jewish history. During the years 1778-81, and again 1792-95, the Caid or official leader of the Jewish community was R. Abraham Chalfon, who was also a rabbinic scholar and author of note. Although nominally under Ottoman rule from 1551 until 1911, the local governors of Tripoli for a period lasting from 1711-1835 were the members of the Karamanli dynasty. One of the members of this dynasty, Ali Pasha, who ruled from 1754-93, is remembered fondly by the Jews for providing a peaceful interlude in an otherwise turbulent history. See Yehudah Messing, Gedolei Rabbanei Tunisia ve-Louv (1986) pp. 93-103; JE, Vol. XII, pp. 261-63.