Encyclopaedia Judaica

Jews in Honduras

Inquisition - immigration - restrictions 1939 - emigration and intermarriages since 1947

from: Honduras; In: Encyclopaedia Judaica 1971, vol. 8

presented by Michael Palomino (2008)

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<HONDURAS, republic of Central America.

[Inquisition in Honduras]

The proceedings of the inquisition attest to the presence of Jews in Honduras during the colonial period, but very little information is available on the subject.

[Jewish immigration since 1920 - 1935: Jewish scientists and educators from Germany - 1939: restrictions - Honduran consuls give passports and visas illegally]

A small number of European immigrants, some of whom came via other south American countries and Mexico, began to arrive in Honduras around 1920. In 1928 another five families came from Poland. A community was not established, however, until the arrival of some refugees from Germany.

In 1935 the government announced its readiness to accept Jewish scientists and educators from Germany, but the offer was not adequately exploited. In 1939 restrictions were imposed on the entry of Jews, Negroes, and gypsies. Nevertheless a considerable number of Jews were saved during the war by Honduran consuls who issued them passports and visas frequently illegally.

[since 1947: emigration and intermarriages]

By 1947 there were 129 Jews in the country, and another 64 arrived the following year. During the next two decades Jews emigrated from Honduras, and a census taken in 1967 found 86 Jews in Tegucigalpa, the capital. Twenty-two of the 42 children aged 1-17 are the offspring of intermarriages.

[Only private community life]

There is minimal community activity. The Comunidad Hebrea de Tegucigalpa, which sponsors educational activities for youth, is affiliated with the Federation of Jewish Communities in Central America and Panama. the Jewish National Fund and WIZO also carry on activities, but there is neither a synagogue nor a Jewish school in the country.

Honduras was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel in 1948 and diplomatic relations are on an ambassadorial level.


Bibliography
-- J. Shatzky: Yidishe Yishuvim in Latayn-Amerike (1952), 123-4
-- A Monk and J. Isaacson (eds.): Comunidades Judías de Latinoamérica (1968), 89-90

[M.N.E.]> (col. 962)

Source

Encyclopaedia Judaica 1971: Honduras, vol. 8, col. 962

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