Panama

From JudaismWiki

PANAMA. The first Jews to reach Panama were merchants, including Spanish and Portuguese Jews who first settled in the Caribbean Islands. Because of the unhealthy climate and poor living conditions, most of them fled the isthmus. The small permanent community which remained grew only when the U.S. began building the Panama Canal in 1904. In 1998, there were about 5,000 Jews in a total population of almost 3 million. They engage in trade and industries. The majority lives in Panama City, but there is a small community in Colon, the Pacific terminus of the Canal. Both communities maintain synagogues and are affiliated with the World Jewish Congress, The Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish National Fund, and Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO). (See also Delvalle, Arturo.)

Synagogues

Beneficiencia Israelita Beth-El Calle 58E Urg Obarrio Panama City Tel: 507-223-3383

Congregacion Kol Shearith Israel Avenida Cuba Calle 36 No. 34-16 Panama City Progressive Tel: 507 225 4100 Fax: 507 225 6412

Sinagoga Beth El Apertado Postal 87-3218 Zona 7 Panama City Orthodox Tel: 507-223-3383 Fax: 507-264-0058

Sociedad Israelita Shevet Ahim Calle 44-27 Panama City Orthodox Tel: 507-227-2828 Fax: 507-227-1268