AMI-AD
Jewish Communities Worldwide
The Ethiopian Community
The Jewish community in Ethiopia, known as Beit Israel, is one of the oldest and most fascinating communities in the Jewish world. Traditionally believed to be descendants of the Tribe of Dan, they lived in Ethiopia for thousands of years, preserving unique Jewish traditions despite being disconnected from global Jewish centres.
Over time, Ethiopian Jews faced numerous challenges, including persecution, discrimination, and social exclusion within Ethiopian society. They primarily lived in northern Ethiopia, worked in agriculture and traditional crafts, and faithfully observed the laws of kashrut, the Sabbath, and various Jewish holidays. Although their connection to the wider Jewish world was renewed over time, they continued to struggle for official recognition of their Jewish identity.
In the 1980s, significant immigration to Israel began through major rescue efforts such as Operation Moses (1984) and Operation Solomon (1991). Today, the Ethiopian community in Israel numbers in the tens of thousands and actively contributes to all areas of society - including the military, politics, academia, and culture. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly in the areas of absorption, ongoing discrimination, and the continued struggle to bring home the Falash Mura - descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity.
The history of Ethiopian Jews is a powerful testament to faith and perseverance. Despite facing many hardships, they have succeeded in returning to Israel, integrating into Israeli society, and proudly preserving their unique heritage.
The German Community
The German Jewish community was once one of the most influential in the Jewish world, symbolising progress and innovation in the humanities, culture, and science. For centuries, it stood as a pillar of Jewish culture and religious life in Europe - until this vibrant legacy was brought to a tragic end during the Holocaust.
Jewish life in Germany dates back to 321 CE, when Jews were recorded living in the Cologne area. In the Middle Ages, communities along the Rhine Valley became spiritual and intellectual centres for European Jewry, although they often faced pogroms and expulsions. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, German Jewry moved to the forefront of modern Jewish thought and achievement. However, the rise of the Nazi regime brought catastrophic persecution: Jews were stripped of their rights, confined to ghettos, and ultimately deported to death camps, where millions were murdered in the Holocaust.
Following the Holocaust, only a small number of Jews remained in Germany. Yet in the years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the community experienced renewed growth, primarily through immigration from CIS (former Soviet) countries.
By 2020, the Jewish population in Germany numbered approximately 125,000 (excluding those who may be eligible under extended provisions of the Law of Return).
The story of the German Jewish community is one of brilliance, devastation, and resilience - a lasting testament to the enduring spirit, determination, and revival of the Jewish people.
The Swedish Community
Jews began settling in Sweden in the 17th century, but it was only in the 18th century that they were officially permitted to live in the country - albeit under numerous restrictions. These limitations were gradually lifted during the 19th century, allowing the community to grow and establish deeper roots in Swedish society.
During the Holocaust, Sweden played a significant role in rescuing Jews, particularly from neighbouring Denmark. Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg became a symbol of courage, saving tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews through extraordinary efforts. After the war, many Holocaust survivors arrived in Sweden and slowly integrated into local society while maintaining their Jewish identity.
Today, the Jewish population in Sweden numbers around 15,000, primarily concentrated in major cities. The community continues to develop Jewish institutions, education, and culture.
In recent years, it has faced a rise in anti-Semitic incidents, particularly in Malmö, but it receives meaningful support from the Swedish government in its efforts to ensure safety and preserve Jewish life.
Despite the challenges, the Jewish community in Sweden remains vibrant - successfully blending tradition with modernity - and continues to be an integral part of Swedish society.
The Croatian Community
This community is one of the oldest in Central Europe, with a history dating back to the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, Jews lived in various cities, working in trade, medicine, and banking, but they also faced periodic discrimination and expulsions.
During World War II, under the Ustaša regime (the Croatian fascist government that collaborated with the Nazis), the community experienced one of the darkest periods in its history.
On the eve of the war, the community numbered around 20,000 Jews and was almost entirely destroyed in concentration camps, the most notorious being the Jasenovac camp. After the war, a small number of survivors returned to Croatia, but many chose to emigrate to Israel and other countries.
Today, it is estimated that around 2,000 Jews remain in Croatia, primarily in Zagreb. The community continues to maintain its identity and culture, with synagogues, community organizations, and museums commemorating local Jewish history. However, it faces challenges such as assimilation and the struggle to preserve historical memory. In September 2024, the Croatian government declared Jewish cemeteries as protected cultural heritage sites.
Despite these challenges, Croatian Jews continue to work to preserve their heritage and to bridge their rich past with a renewed present.
The Indian Community
India was a warm and welcoming home to several Jewish communities for hundreds of years. Though small in number, these communities maintained distinct Jewish traditions while successfully integrating into Indian society.
Unlike many other Jewish populations, Indian Jews did not face widespread persecution. However, they did experience isolation from the broader Jewish world and struggled at times with issues of identity and recognition.
Following the establishment of the State of Israel, many Jews from Cochin and the Bene Israel community immigrated during the 1950s and 1960s. One of the most remarkable stories is that of the Bnei Menashe, who for years fought for recognition as Jews. After a long and complex process, the State of Israel officially recognised them, and since the early 2000s, thousands have made aliyah.
Today, only a few thousand Jews remain in India, but the Indian Jewish community in Israel is thriving - preserving its heritage while integrating into Israeli society.
This is a story of resilience, identity, and renewal.
The Moroccan Community
Moroccan Jewry is the largest Jewish community in the Arab world, with archaeological evidence tracing its origins back to the 2nd century CE. Under the Muslim dynasties, Moroccan Jews experienced periods of cultural and economic flourishing, as well as times of severe persecution. Over the centuries, Moroccan Jewry became a center of cultural creation, producing extensive literature and Hebrew poetry authored by generations of Jewish scholars.
The heritage of medieval Spanish Jewry merged with Moroccan Jewish culture following the expulsion from Spain, and its influence can be seen in music traditions, languages, halachic rulings, art, and more.
Throughout history, Jews faced political upheavals, religious decrees, and violence. At times, they were required to pay the “head tax” (Jizya), which affected their livelihood and freedom.
Relations with the authorities after the establishment of the State of Israel created significant tensions, leading many members of the community to immigrate to Israel. At the same time, antisemitism in Morocco increased with the rise of Zionism.
Despite the challenges and life under a Muslim-majority country, Moroccan Jews maintained their religious and cultural identity - a continuity that persisted even after the large wave of immigration to Israel. The authorities supported the preservation of the community’s heritage through the restoration of synagogues and the graves of righteous figures, the establishment of museums, and educational initiatives about Jewish history.
Today, this heritage is experiencing a revival, maintaining a warm connection between the Moroccan Jewish community and the diaspora around the world.
The British Community
The Jewish community in England is one of the oldest in Europe. Historically, Jews were primarily engaged in trade and moneylending, as they were barred from many other professions. Despite their contributions to the economy, they often faced religious hostility, accusations, and violent pogroms.
For centuries, British Jews lived under restrictive laws that limited their civil rights and hindered their integration into society. It was not until the 19th century that they began to join public institutions, with a significant milestone reached in 1858, when Baron Lionel de Rothschild became the first Jew elected to the British Parliament.
The history of British Jewry has seen both hardship and advancement. Periods of acceptance and prosperity were followed by times of discrimination. During the Second World War, many British Jews joined the armed forces and took part in the fight against Nazi Germany. Yet even after the war, the community continued to face anti-Semitism and social exclusion.
Today, the Jewish community in the United Kingdom is the second largest in Europe, numbering around 270,000. Despite the challenges faced over the centuries, British Jews have built a vibrant and resilient community - successfully preserving their identity while contributing to all areas of national life.