A member of a leading Damascus family, he was born in Damascus, Syria, where his father Shaul was finance advisor to the governor. After his father's death, Hayyim inherited his position. Moving to Acre in the Land of Israel about 1790, he was responsible for the finances of Ahmad al-Jazzar, the tyrannical governor of the province of Sidon. He was one of those responsible for organizing the successful defense of Acre against Napoleon's siege in 1799. Jazzar became jealous of him and put out one of his eyes, cut off a finger and removed him from office. However, Suleiman Pasha who ruled 1805-1818 restored Hayyim to the office of financial advisor and gave him great power in the administration. He was frequently active in behalf of the Jewish community of Erets Israel. However, Abdulla Pasha, the next governor, had him strangled after Hayyim was accused of betraying him and his body thrown into the sea and his property confiscated.

Links:

Jews in Arab Lands - Virtual Exhibition