The Historic Jewish Community of Thessaloniki

The Historic Jewish Community of Thessaloniki

One of the many minorities that played a key role during many periods of the city’s history is the one of the Jews of Thessaloniki! The Jewish presence in Thessaloniki is an issue of historic importance that hasn’t been extensively clarified yet. Several researchers actually claim that Jewish presence in the area can be found even during the city’s foundation in (315 BC), while others believe that the initial settlement began in 140 BC coming from Alexandria. 

Centuries later in AD 10 Flavious Joseph is talking about them while in there is a clear reference about them one of Herod’s letters to Caligula.The Acts of Apostles also witness an existing, organized Jewish Community in the city of Thessaloniki. It informs us about Paul’s visit in 50 AD and his teachings in the Synagogue! In the centuries that followed “Romaniotes” who were Jews that had their names Hellenized and spoke Greek, was an active community with centuries old continuous existence. 

Many reports and witnesses can be found about them in Thessaloniki throughout Byzantine and Roman periods. 

The arrival of Sepharadim

In the mid14th European Century many more Jews from European countries, Italy and Sicily arrived at Thessaloniki.
The most important settlement was the one emerged after the exile of Sepharadim Jews from Spain under the rule of the Catholic kings Ferdinand and Isabella and the threat of the Inquisition. More than 20 000 people left Spain and settled in Thessaloniki, which became their new home. In the years that followed more Jews arrived from European countries and Africa.

Thessaloniki which was almost deserted after the Turkish conquest was partially becoming a living city again! The area occupied was ranging from Via Egnatia to the waterfront promenade of the city and from Vardari Square to Diagonios Street.

After decades, the Jewish minority was (demographically) dominant while it managed to turn Thessaloniki into a vibrant commercial and financial center in the Ottoman Empire. Thessaloniki’s fame spread all over Europe and Africa. Eventually, the city gained the honorary title of “Mother of Israel”!

The situation changed dramatically during the 17th century. The new trade routes established transformed the commercial map of the world. In addition, Thessaloniki suffered catastrophic fires and epidemics that affected everyday life and all kinds of activity.

Perhaps one of the most important events of that period was the case of Sabetai Sevi (a self-proclaimed Messiah) and the reactions that caused to the Ottoman authorities. His conversion to Islam in order to avoid execution was followed by 300 families. It was a powerful shock for the community that was seen as a “mass apostasy”.

By entering the 19th century the city is changing! The Ottoman authorities made some efforts in order to modernize several public buildings and improve the infrastructure. This led to the modernization of the port, the establishment of new railway connections and the introduction of electricity.

The Alliance Israelite Universelle Schools were offering European quality education, while the Jewish newspaper “El Lunar” is published in 1864 for the first time in Thessaloniki! The Italian – Jewish Allatini family is also a pioneer in local industrial development.

Having a strong financial, commercial and social presence in the city, the Jewish community managed to create a unique welfare system that included and sustain many important institutions!  (Orphanages like Allatini and Mair Aboave, the Baroness de Hirsch Hospital, Mental Asylum, Saoul Modiano Old People's Home, Bikour Holim Health Organization are only some examples of related activities.)

After the revolution in 1908 and the political instability that followed, organizations like the socialist “Federation” and some of the first Zionist groups were created (Groups like Bene Sion, Kadima Macabbe, Misrahi and more).

After Thessaloniki’s liberation in 1912 King George I and the Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos promised the leaders of the Jewish Community that the Greek administration would respect their rights and that they would be fully equal in the eyes of the law.

Unfortunately, in 1917 a major disaster hit Thessaloniki and its people! A terrible fire destroyed a huge part of the city’s historic center! The community suffered a great loss as more than 50.000 were left homeless and the majority of the synagogues and institutions were destroyed!

The effects of the “Great Fire” dramatically increased immigration along with other incidents like the destruction of Campbell neighborhood. The majority of those who left returned to Israel. Despite that, the community still had more than 50.000 members! The neighboring Christian and Jewish communities lived peacefully side by side.

The Second World War and the Holocaust

During the Second World War many Jews joined the armed forces and fought against the Axis. They suffered great losses like the rest of the Greek population. When the Nazi forces entered Thessaloniki, it was the beginning of the end, since nobody could imagine the events that would follow…..

At first the Nazi conquerors implied anti-Jewish measures that wouldn’t allow their presence in many public places and buildings. Then, they destroyed the Jewish libraries and took over all the institutions while the members of the community council were imprisoned…

All male Jews of age 18 to 45 witnessed incredible humiliation in Eleftherias Square (Freedom Square) in April 9 1942, after they were gathered there by force. They were then sent to labor camps. A huge amount of ransom was paid by the rest of the community in order for them to be free again.

In February 1943 all Jews were forced to wear the characteristic yellow star while the Nazi’s forced them to gather into specific areas known as ghettos. Any kind of public and social activity, along with any kind of profession as well was now forbidden for them.

The final chapter of the tragedy took place in March 15 1943 when the first trains left for Auschwitz and Birkenau, the notorious death camps. They were transported in terrible conditions while less than 4% of them managed to return home… Those who managed to escape joined the resistance or were hidden by friends or neighbors.

Those who returned started a new life after Thessaloniki was once again free in October 1944. Although they had lost everything, they started from the beginning thus showing one more time their hard work and strong character…
Today, the historic Jewish community despite all the terrible events that suffered is once again a living, vibrant community!


If you are interested in experiencing a unique guided tour that will reveal every aspect of the Jewish present in Thessaloniki click here:

Thessaloniki Jewish Tour (Guided Tour)