Eswatini

Information

CJC Vice President: Yael Uzan-Tidhur

Community Organisation: Swaziland Jewish Community

Demography

There are only approximately 20 Jews now living in Eswatini according to the African Jewish Congress. That is less than 0.004% of the population. They are concentrated in the capital city, Mbabane.

History

Jewish people have lived in Eswatini since WW2, when Holocaust survivors were turned away from South Africa. Many have married indigenous people, so many have Jewish names even though they may not be practicing Jews.

The grandson of the King of Swaziland converted to Judaism in 1991 and is now an Orthodox rabbi.

Community Life

There is no synagogue in Eswatini and no communal activities.

Any Jewish life is individual. 

Kashrut

Kosher food is in minimal supply in Mbabane; there is no availability outside the capital.

Affiliations

African Jewish Congress

Commonwealth Jewish Council

World Jewish Congress