The modern Jewish community in Gibraltar dates back to the beginning of the 18th century when Jewish merchants from England, Lisbon, and Livorno became important traders in the area. They were expelled when the British took control under the Treaty of Utrecht but were later allowed to return to the peninsula where they established a small but strong Jewish community.
Despite its small size, the Jewish community makes up more than 2% of Gibraltar’s total population, a greater proportion than in any country besides Israel. The Jews of Gibraltar have played a prominent role in national politics, with a Jewish Chief Mayor and Chief Minister, Sir Joshua Hassan, and a Jewish Mayor, Solomon Levy. The community is served by four synagogues dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries and several kosher restaurants.
February 19, 2019