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Even prior to the colonial period, there were Jews in Muslim countries who were European nationals or had adopted ‘European’ cultural traits. Nonetheless, with the influx of European influences, Westernization became a truly widespread phenomenon.
Young people from the Jewish quarters who had acquired Western education were quick to find employment in modern professions, such as banking, commerce, law, medicine, journalism and even politics. By doing so, they contributed to the emergence of a new middle class. Some also blended into the local culture. Integration into Western culture usually weakened the bond with tradition, but did not eliminate it.
