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Caracas Kollel
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More than half the Jewish population of Venezuela (c. 25,000) lives in Caracas, evenly divided between Ashkenazim and Sephardim, all mostly 'mesorati' Jews. The modern community began to evolve at the beginning of the 20th century with the immigration of Jews from North Africa, Lebanon, Syria and the Balkans. This was enlarged by immigration from Central and Eastern Europe in the 1930’s and further immigration in the 1950’s. The Ashkenazim and Sephardim have separate organizations but are united in political, social, cultural and educational matters. The community members have a strong connection with Israel, and many come to visit often, but Aliya numbers are not very high at the moment.
The Jewish community is comprised of two main organizations: he Asociacion Israelita de Venezuela (AIV) numbering some 15000 Jews and the Union Israelita de Caracas (UIC) numbering some 15000 Jews. The Jewish Community schools belong to both communities with a total of 2500 pupils from Kindergarten through High School. The community has all the Jewish institutions it needs - many shuls, a Mikveh and some Jewish schools (one has recently been forced to close down, because of a lack of funding), and Kosher products are generally available. There are also many Chesed organizations that operate within the community.
The Kollel Tzioni in Caracas (now into year 6!) has been established with the help of Rabbi Yizhak Cohen, the Chief Rabbi of the Sephardi Community. The Rosh Kollel (Rabbi Avi Amsalem) arranges formal and informal learning activities with the community. The Kollel belongs to the AIV but provides services to both communities, in particular teaching from 7th to 11th grades in Spanish and Hebrew.
There are some sporadic outbursts of antisemitism, but they do not represent a widespread phenomenon. Jews have not played a prominent role in political life. Despite recent political instability, the Kollel continues to operate and serve the local community with dedication and energy.
Supported by the L.A. Pincus Jewish Education Fund for the Diaspora