Mozambique

Information

CJC Vice President: Natalie Tenzer-Silva

Community Organisation: Mozambique Jewish Community

Demography

There are only about 15 Jews living in the capital city, Maputo with none outside.

History

Jewish sailors and merchants first settled along the coast of Mozambique when it was a Portuguese colony in the 16th century.

In the 19th century, both Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities were established in Maputo. At the turn of the century, President Kruger exiled Jews from South Africa for being pro-British and they emigrated to Mozambique.

In 1926, the first synagogue which housed both communities, was built.

Refugees from WW2 increased the numbers by approximately 500, although many then migrated to South Africa after the war.

There was a decline in numbers following the war, especially after independence in 1975, when the new government seized the synagogue along with mosques and churches.

In 1989, Alkis Macropolous (a non-Jew) campaigned to return the synagogue to the Jewish community. This resulted in the reunification of the community and the recommencement of communal services.

Community Life

There is one synagogue, the Honen Dalim Synagogue, and a Jewish cemetery in Maputo.

Shabbat services are only held a few times a year, as well as on the High Holidays. These are in English and Portuguese. There is rarely a minyan for services - between 2-10 usually gather.

Kashrut

There is no kosher food in Mozambique.

Education

There is no Jewish school or formal Jewish education.

Affiliations

African Jewish Congress

Commonwealth Jewish Council

World Jewish Congress