Little Jerusalem in Rhodes

The Jewish community of Rhodes has more than 2,000 years of history, and for several centuries – until World War II – the city was known as “Little Jerusalem.” This tour invites you to experience the unique cultural and spiritual heritage that has played an important role in the fate of the island.

Our route begins in the port of Rhodes, next to La Juderia, the city’s Jewish quarter. Here you will see the rabbinical school, the school of the World Jewish Alliance, visit the oldest synagogue in Greece and its museum. We will walk through the residential streets of the quarter, which have preserved the atmosphere of the past, and talk about prominent rabbis, scientists and the mysterious person Sabbatai Zvi, who preached on this land.

During the tour you will learn about the traditions of the Jews of Rhodes: holidays, wedding ceremonies, family and business life. We trace the community’s journey from antiquity through the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period to the tragic events of World War II, when the fate of the island’s Jewish population changed forever.

Our journey will end in a symbolic place where the establishment of the State of Israel was de jure formalized – an important point in the history of the Jewish people and the entire twentieth century.

Important information: Comfortable shoes and headgear are recommended. Entrance to the synagogue is paid separately.