Peru

DISCOVER THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF PERU!

The first Jews to settle in Peru were likely conversos, Spanish and Portuguese Jews forced to convert under threat of the Inquisition. Faced with limited prospects in their home countries due to their status as “new Christians,” they sought out opportunity in the New World. Though scrutiny of the conversos was less strict in the South American colonies, many conversos were still interrogated, tortured, and killed.

In the late 19th century, Jewish immigrants came from Europe and North Africa and established the community that still exists in Peru today. The early 20th century saw Jews from the Levant moving into Peru. Today, about 3000 Jews live in Peru, most of whom live in Lima and support several synagogues and Jewish schools.

SYNAGOGUES

PLACES TO EAT