Albert-Abraham Antébi (1873 – 1919), born in Damascus 1873, descending from a long line of prominent rabbis from Aleppo and Damascus, a testament to their historical and religious footprint in the region. Tracing back, his grandfather, Jacob Antébi, was embroiled in the complexities of the Damascus Affair. Close to home, his father was a guiding light at the Bet Din in Cairo, while maternal ties intricately connected him to the esteemed Catran and Totah dynasties. Just as Antébi was deeply rooted in regional Jewish life, he was just as equally comfortable within other diverse cosmopolitan Ottoman milieus. 

Albert's multilingual academic voyage began under the discerning eyes of Isaac Astruc, the Alliance Israélite Universelle school leader in Damascus. As a Salomon Goldschmidt scholarship laureate, he studied at the École de Travail in Paris, a Jewish trade school. Antèbi was an exceptional student, and thus after Paris, he continued his studies at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers in Châlons-sur-Marne and Angers, ultimately qualifying as an engineer. 

As an Ottoman Jew, Antébi spoke Arabic, Hebrew, French, Turkish, and some English. Thus it is not surprising that in 1896, he was appointed vice-principal of the AIU vocational school in Jerusalem, becoming the head of the school soon after. Under his watchful gaze, the institution bloomed, fostering myriad workshops to sculpt the minds of its protegees. In this period he married Henriette Salomon, originating from the Lorraine region, together they would eventually found a family of 8 children. 

Beyond Antèbi’s importance with the AIU network, his dexterity in Ottoman, Jewish, and French legalities, earmarked him as a pivotal figure in Ottoman Palestine. His collaborative spirit forged close ties with Arab leaders, most notably Faisal I and the influential Ottoman statesman Djemal Pasha. Representing organizations like the Jewish Colonization Association, his acumen was instrumental in land acquisition negotiations, birthing new Jerusalem neighborhoods, delving into archaeological realms, and championing the Jewish Archaeological Society. He was also a fervent advocate for women's rights and stood tall as a linchpin connecting the Yishuv, Arab dignitaries, and international bodies. In this period, Antèbi often frequented cafes throughout Jerusalem where Jewish, Muslim, and Christian intellectuals would express their hopes and fears for the future of the region. 

During the pivotal events of 1917, Antébi's role was unmistakable. He successfully negotiated with the Ottoman authorities, ensuring the safety and survival of many Jews. Although he wasn't in favor of the Balfour Declaration, his unwavering support for the Jewish community in Palestine was palpable. The gravitas of his contributions shone through when he stood by David Ben Gurion during his Ottoman incarceration in World War I, ensuring his safe exile to Egypt in 1915. Thus epitomizing the diversity of thought amongst Jews in Ottoman Jerusalem, and the overarching ability to find common ground and solutions to pressing matters. 

Albert’s role as a humanitarian shone through in his charitable endeavors, particularly his efforts in opening orphanages and aiding the needy. His advocacy for the Jews to maintain their unique cultural and religious identity rather than merely assimilating was evident in his day-to-day interactions and decisions. 

Navigating the tumultuous seas of World War I, Antébi's diplomatic acumen saw him assisting Jewish luminaries, aligning with Jamal Pasha, and enduring exile and captivity. His survival hinged on a vast network, spotlighting his associations with figures like Mustafa Kemal, with whom he shared a mutual respect and understanding, and influential Arab families. 

As the war's shadows receded, 1919 marked a new chapter with Antébi at the helm as a dragoman (translator) for the French embassy in Istanbul, orchestrating repatriations. However, just as France beckoned, tragedy struck. At 45, as the Ottoman Empire's embers waned, Antébi's radiant flame was snuffed out by uremia at Istanbul's Maritime Hospital. 

Albert Antébi's chronicle is a beacon of resilience, bridging cultures, championing Jewish heritage, and envisioning a harmonious Palestine. His legacy, etched in the annals of history, is a testament to a life dedicated to community, education, diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to a progressive Palestine.