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Jewish Heritage Tours in Greece |
At one point of time, the Jewish population of the world was quite considerable and in several countries, the Jews thrived and prospered. However, after the Holocaust, almost 93% of the Jewish population in the world perished and the continent of Europe was the worst hit as it housed the maximum number of Jewish people in the entire world. At this point of time, only Salonika and Athens, have some significant Jewish populations in the entire world. However, at one point of time, the country of Greece had a significant Jewish community and as a result of that there are many sites in the country of Greece which form a part of Jewish Heritage in the country of Greece.
Jewish Heritage Tours in Greece try to exploit this facet of the country's rich history and are integral to Religious Tours in Greece. Greece Jewish Heritage Tours are conducted both by the tourism department of the country of Greece as well as many private sector organizations involved in Greece tourism. Jewish Heritage Tours in Greece involve meeting the five Jewish communities that stay in the country, visiting the various Jewish heritage sites, the various Jewish synagogues, the cemeteries, the treasures and many more. Most of these places are in pretty good conditions as their upkeep is entrusted to the Central Board of Greek Jewish Communities (KIS), whose base is in the city of Athens. However, many ruined synagogues have been brought down as they are in no state of well being. The island of Corfu is one of the major sites covered by the Jewish Heritage Tours in Greece. Jews from Spain and Italy settled here and it is reflected in the synagogues that the tourists find during their visit. There were three major synagogues in Corfu, but now, only one has been able to survive and exist. The surviving synagogue is the Scula Greca. The Tempio Nuovo and the Tempio Maggio were destroyed by the bombing of the Allied forces during the Second World War. The existing synagogue had been built in the 17th century, and the manner in which it had been built, is typically Venetian. The synagogue is one the second floor, below which are the rooms and community offices. This Romaniote synagogue is very typical and is very well built. The men's section and the women's section are separate, though both are easily accessible.
Ionnina is another place covered by the Jewish Heritage Tours in Greece. Jewish influence is very evident in this place as during the Ottoman Empire in the year 1430, Jewish objects of silver was produced. Primarily Sicilian and Spanish Jews settled in this place. Two synagogues existed, once within the boundaries of the town, and the other just outside. However, only one exists now. The Yashan remains though the Hadash no longer exists. This beautifully built synagogue is a sure visit for those availing Jewish Heritage Tours in Greece. The synagogue at Chalkis in the country of Greece is another site of Jewish heritage. The cemetery at Chalkis is also a very prominent site of Jewish Heritage.
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