Jewish Quarter and Synagogue

Overview

The Jewish Quarter in the southeastern corner of the Old Town is centred on the Kahal Shalom Synagogue — the oldest synagogue in Greece, dating to 1577. A small museum documents the community's 2,300-year history and its tragic destruction in the Holocaust.

Highlights

• Kahal Shalom Synagogue: A beautifully restored Sephardic synagogue with an elegant interior and tiled floor.
• Holocaust Memorial: A square with a memorial to the 1,604 Rhodian Jews deported to Auschwitz in 1944.
• Museum: A small exhibition with photographs, documents, and personal objects tracing the community's history.

History

Jews have lived on Rhodes since at least the 2nd century BC. The Sephardic community grew after 1522 when the Ottomans welcomed Jewish settlers. By 1939 the community numbered around 2,000. In July 1944, the Nazis deported 1,673 Jews to Auschwitz; only 151 survived.

Visitor Tips

• Visiting Hours: Open mornings, closed Saturdays and Sundays.
• Respectful Visit: This is an active house of worship — dress modestly.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.