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Asmara Synagogue, Asmara, Eritrea
The oldest synagogue in the nation, the Asmara Synagogue is the only surviving remnant of the once-flourishing Jewish community in Eritrea. Built in 1906 during Italian Colonial rule, the sanctuary was once also home to classrooms and a cemetery.
Description
A HISTORY OF JEWS IN ERITREA
The Eritrean Jewish community is believed to have been started by Yemenite Jews. Many Jews settled in Eritrea in the late nineteenth century in search of economic opportunities [1]. In 1905, the Asmara Hebrew Congregation was formed, and it continued to grow in the first half of the twentieth century with Jews fleeing Nazi occupation in Europe [2]. At its peak, the Eritrean Jewish community totaled over 500 people [3].
Under British Military Administration (1941-1952), Eritrea was used as an internment location for Zionist guerillas fighting for Jewish independence in Mandatory Palestine [4]. In 1948, after Israel’s creation, many Eritrean Jews emigrated to Israel.
In 1961, Eritrea was annexed by Ethiopia, and the nation began a war for independence, prompting many Jews to immigrate to Israel [5]. In 1975, the Rabbi of the Asmara Hebrew Congregation was evacuated, leaving behind only 150 Jews in Eritrea [1]. Most Eritrean Jews immigrated to Israel, while some went to Europe or North America. Sami Cohen, the last Eritrean Jew to remain there, tends to the synagogue and cemetery [2].
DESCRIPTION
The Asmara Synagogue is a classic temple, reminiscent of the Italian architectural style that was common during 1906, when the temple was constructed under Italian rule [3]. The building has an ornate iron gate at its front, which depicts a Star of David and a menorah [3]. A large circular window adorns the façade of the building, with a large Star of David set into the stained glass [6].
The interior of the synagogue has high ceilings, white plaster walls, and a wood-paneled ceiling. The synagogue can fit up to 200 people, with a gallery level for women’s seating, in accordance with Orthodox Jewish custom. Jewish art and yahrzeit (memorial) plaques decorate the walls, while crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling.
Adjacent to the synagogue is a small building that used to serve as a schoolhouse during the Eritrean Jewish community’s heyday, but it is now defunct. The synagogue is maintained and well-kept. The building is a reminder of the decades-gone Jewish community.
Images of the synagogue can be found here:
https://www.alamy.com/asmara-synagogue-built-in-1906-central-region-asmara-eritrea-image552775233.html
http://jewswerehere.com/africa/eastafrica/eritrea/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/4258418765
https://www.africansynagogues.org/html/countries/eritrea/eritrea1.html
http://www.ericlafforgue.com/search?search=synagogue
Sources
[1] Eritrea Virtual Jewish History Tour. (n.d.). Copyright 2023.
[2] BBC NEWS | Africa | Asmara’s last Jew recalls “good old days.” Sunday, 30 April 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4955088.stm
[3] Waronker, Jay A. African synagogues. (n.d.). https://www.africansynagogues.org/html/countries/eritrea/eritrea1.html
[4] Yitzhak Shamir. (n.d.). Copyright 2023. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/yitzhak-shamir
[5] Eritrean War of Independence - New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Eritrean_War_of_Independence
[6] Eritrea - Jews were here. (2020, October 7). Jews Were Here. http://jewswerehere.com/africa/eastafrica/eritrea/
Heroes of Adventure. (2019, March 5). Asmara Synagogue, Asmara, Eritrea - Heroes Of Adventure. https://heroesofadventure.com/listing/asmara-synagogue-asmara-eritrea/