The First Jews
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Jewish presence in Panama dates back to the 17th century when Crypto-Jews (Marranos) from Spain and Portugal who were forced to practice their Judaism in secret settled in the region, striving to secretly maintain their faith. After Panama gained independence from Spain in 1821, Panama became attached to Colombia and at this time several Jews of Sephardic origin from Jamaica and Ashkenazi Jews from Central Europe arrived. However, due to the lack of an organized Jewish community, many of these early settlers assimilated. In the middle of the nineteenth century, several immigrants of Sephardi origin from the Caribbean region, and a few Askenazim from the Netherlands, settled in Panama. In 1876, the first Jewish community, “Kol Shearith,” was established, identifying with Reform Judaism and numbered approximately 160 families.
After the construction of the Panama Canal, the census of 1911 reported 505 Jews in Panama. In 1933, Sephardic Jews from Israel and Syria established a second community and an Orthodox synagogue, Shevet Achim, now the largest congregation in Panama. Owing to intermarriage, however, the Kol Shearith Israel congregation diminished considerably, and in spite of the immigration of a large number of Jews after World War I, Panamanian Jewry was estimated in 1936 at only 600 people. A third congregation, Beth El, is also an Orthodox synagogue and consists of a small group of Ashkenazi Jews who arrived in the 1930's from Nazi dominated Europe.
Jews have cherished their political rights and held high positions in the Republic. Panama is the only country besides Israel that has had two Jewish presidents in the twentieth century: Max Delvalle Maduro (Vice President 1964-1968; President April 1967) and Eric Arturo Delvalle Cohen-Henriquez (Vice President 1984-1985; President 1985-1988).
Kol Shearith Israel Synagogue |
Present-Day Community
Today, Panama’s Jewish community has grown to over 17,000, with three primary communities: Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Reform, with the Sephardic Shevet Achim being the largest and most influential.
The three different Jewish communities, together with several organizations such as B’nai Brith, and various social and sport associations are all united under the umbrella of the Central Jewish Community of Panama (Consejo Central Comunitario Hebreo de Panama).
In the mid-1990’s an estimated 7,000 Jews lived in Panama, including 1,000 Israelis, mostly in Panama City, but there are also communities in Colon, David and the former American Canal Zone. Most Jews in Panama are traditional in their Jewish practices. A reportedly 85 percent of households keep kosher, and there are eight kosher restaurants in the country. There are two restaurants at the community center, one dairy and the other meat. There is one meat restaurant at the kosher supermarket, and two more in a shopping center located near where many members of the jewish community live. In Punta Pacifica mall, there is another dairy restaurant called Tel Aviv, and there is another meat restaurant, called Mukis, located in the Marbella neighborhood. The 8th one is located in the area were people go at night to have fun and is called Darna, dairy and fish. There are also several businesses that provide breads, cakes, cheese, and anything kosher you might need. In Panama City, there is a kosher supermarket, “Super Kosher.” This 1,500 square meter supermarket sells close to 10,000 different kosher products made in Israel, the U.S., Europe and in Panama. This store is reportedly the largest kosher emporium outside of Israel!
Jewish President Max Delvalle Levy-Maduro (April 1967) |
There are three Jewish day schools from primary through high school in Panama City. The most recently opened school is the Escuela Isaac Rabin is affiliated with the Reform community. The other two institutions are orthodox, the Instituto Alberto Einstein, which was founded in 1954 is the eldest of the three and is modern orthodox. Finally, the third school is the Academia Hebrea de Panama. The schools have over 1,300 students enrolled. At this time they are also building a Yeshiva.
Panama’s Jewish community is well-established, with 10 synagogues serving its diverse groups, including the six under the Sephardic Shevet Achim community, one Ashkenazi synagogue, one Reform synagogue, and two Chabad centers. The community places a strong emphasis on education, with several schools, including the Albert Einstein School founded in 1955, and a girls’ university (Ohr) managed by Lizzy Silveira Dean. Additionally, women’s organizations such as WIZO Panama, led by Sandra Israel, play a crucial role in supporting various charitable initiatives, both locally and in Israel.
The community is safeguarded by security measures and visibly proud of its Jewish heritage, with mezuzot at entrances and Israeli flags prominent throughout the area. The community’s religious affairs are overseen by Rabbi David Peretz, who has served as the Chief Rabbi for nearly a decade, managing kosher certifications and other religious services. Panama boasts over 100 kosher establishments, including restaurants, cafés, and two large kosher supermarkets. The legacy of Rabbi Zion Rahamim Levy, who led the community for 57 years until his passing in 2008, continues to be revered, with his teachings still influencing community life.
With strong leadership, such as the current community president Jacques Ashkenazi, and a clear focus on preserving Jewish traditions, the Panama Jewish community has developed a robust support system for its members, including medical services, social programs, and youth initiatives like the “SAY” youth program. The community’s dedication to maintaining its Jewish identity is evident in its requirement that both parents of prospective members be Jewish. Around 20% of the community consists of Israelis, many of whom participate actively in community life. With continued growth and development, the Panama Jewish community serves as a model for Jewish communities worldwide.
Relations with Israel
Relations between Panama and Israel are cordial, especially after 1960, when the two countries first exchanged ambassadors. Panama has consistently supported Israel in the United Nations. In May 1980, the Panama Hall in the School of Education of the Hebrew University was dedicated, and the ambassador of Panama to Israel presented the university with fifty volumes on the literature and history of the Republic. Since 1948, 180 Panamanian Jews have emigrated to Israel.
The Jewish community in Panama maintains a close and supportive relationship with Israel, deeply embedded in cultural and practical aspects of community life. Israeli flags are prominently displayed throughout the community’s spaces, and posters calling to “Bring Them Home” concerning hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack highlight the community’s solidarity with Israel during times of crisis. WIZO Panama also plays a key role in supporting Israeli projects, contributing to schools, kindergartens, and financial aid for underprivileged women. Additionally, Panama’s Hatzalah emergency response team members have trained in Israel, further cementing the practical ties between the two communities. This deep connection is a central element of the community’s identity, reflected in its ongoing emotional, cultural, and institutional support for the Jewish state.
Sources: Encyclopedia Judaica; World Jewish Congress Ayelet Mamo Shay, “A Jewish Mayor and Kidnapping Photos in Every Corner: A Meeting with the Jewish Community in Panama City,” Ynet, (September 6, 2024). [Hebrew]
Photo: Max Delvalle, Republica de Panama. All others reprinted with permission from Jewish Sightseeing
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