JEWISH COMMUNITY OF RHODES NEW PROJECT: FUN AND HERITAGE TRIP

Dear Rhodesli Communities abroad, dear friends and supporters of J.C.Rhodes and of Kahal Shalom Synagogue.

After the ravages of the IIWW, the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, built in 1577, and the Jewish Museum of Rhodes, started in 1977, are the only standing memorials for future generations, memorials to the 2.500 Jews from Rhodes who were annihilated in Auschwitz/Birkenau concentrations camps and in the Nazi labor camps.

In July 2014 the community organized the 70th commemoration of the deportation of the Jews of Rhodes and Kos with the participations of 500 Rhodeslis from all over the world.

We believe that it was a successful and emotional event, and the presence and moral support of so many people gave us the strength to continue.

When we see the doors of the Synagogue open, when descendants of the Jews of Rhodes come and visit us, when people use our synagogue for “simhas”, and when we hold services during the High Holidays, we feel that “HE” the “Amalek” who wanted to annihilated us did not succeed.

As it is prescribed in the “Torah” “Le Dor ve Dor” (from generation to generation).

We, the team of the Kahal Shalom, came up with an idea. We want to try to pass this love and memories for the community to the younger descendants of the Rhodeslis; to transmit to them in any way we can the rich culture of the Sephardim of Rhodes.

If this project gets off the ground, imagine for an instant how your forefathers would rejoice as you walk in their steps.

We thought to call it “Heritage and Fun trip” as we are thinking to address it to young people from 18-35.

It would be an annual summer event full of fun, discovery, adventure and history.

Rhodes can offer it all.

Friday night service and dinner, tour in the Jewish quarter and to the historical sites of Rhodes, and lectures, all these can be combined with day boat trip to hidden beaches, climbing, trekking, bike tours, jeep Safari tours ,diving lessons and, of course, night life. The possibilities are endless.

We can tailor such a program to your exact requirements allowing you to decide.

• What level of accommodation you want
• What the balance between Jewish sites and other historical sites, and lectures should be How much you want to tour, hike, explore and see

Do you guys out there want to see this project get off the ground?

Do you think it is possible?

We, the Synagogue team, believe in this project. Maybe we are crazy!! But, if we do not try, we will never know and might miss out on a great encounter.

We are open to your suggestions so we can build your ideal visit together. We are awaiting some feedback from you so we could start the wheels rolling.

The team of the Kahal Shalom Synagogue

Jewish Community of Rhodes – Greece
Telephone (+3022410) 22.364
Telefax (+322410) 70964
mail: jcrhodes@otenet.gr