Greek Jews

Greek Jews are one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The presence of Jews in Greece dates back to at least the fourth century BC. The oldest and most characteristic Jewish group that has inhabited Greece are the Romaniotes, also known as the Greek-speaking Jews of the Byzantine Empire.

History

The history of the Jews in Greece can be traced back to the classical period. The Romaniotes are considered among the first Jewish communities in the world. They have a history in Greece that spans more than 2,000 years.

During the Byzantine Empire, the Romaniotes followed the Rabbinic tradition, which was different from the Sephardic tradition followed by the Jews in Spain and Portugal.

In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire took control of Greece, and many Sephardic Jews, who had been expelled from Spain and Portugal, found refuge in the cities of Thessaloniki and Ioannina, which were under Ottoman rule.

Culture

Greek Jews have a unique culture that combines Jewish and Greek traditions. The Romaniotes have their own distinct liturgy, which is a blend of Byzantine and Jewish customs. The Sephardic Jews of Thessaloniki and Ioannina have preserved their own unique Spanish-Jewish culture, including the use of the Ladino language.

Holocaust and Aftermath

During the Holocaust, the Jewish community in Greece was almost completely destroyed. The majority of Greek Jews, especially those in Thessaloniki, were deported to Auschwitz and other concentration camps, where most of them perished.

After the war, the Jewish community in Greece was left decimated. However, it has since been slowly rebuilding. Today, there are Jewish communities in Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Chalkis, Ioannina, and Corfu.

See also

• History of the Jews in Thessaloniki
• History of the Jews in the Byzantine Empire
• History of the Jews in the Ottoman Empire