Many would place the origin as Greek, but the melody (not that of the popular song) is middle eastern to my ear, and I believe it spread from there to other cultures bordering on the Mediterranean.

I have absolutely no supporting evidence, so I don't expect anyone to agree.

Some of the lyrics you quote seem similar, but I can't catch much understandable from my recording.

Monique, I will try to copy the song as I have it on a cd that I made. I will look for a friend with a cd duplicator (I have been tempted to get one myself, Hammacher S. has one in their catalogue)

The Sephardic site I gave the url for has changed hands as far as management is concerned (a university is mentioned) and I think it has been trimmed down.