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Kol Shearith Israel Congregation Celebrates 150 Years in Panama
🇵🇦 Panama /Culture & Society

Kol Shearith Israel Congregation Celebrates 150 Years in Panama

From TVN Panamá · (3h ago) Spanish Positive tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Kol Shearith Israel congregation in Panama is celebrating 150 years of its presence in the country.
  • Founded in May 1876 by Jewish immigrants primarily from Caribbean islands, the congregation initially formed to manage a cemetery.
  • The community has played a significant role in Panama's educational, cultural, religious, and social spheres, with some members involved in the country's independence in 1903.

Panama City is abuzz with the celebration of a significant milestone: the 150th anniversary of the Kol Shearith Israel congregation. This venerable institution, founded in May 1876, has woven itself into the fabric of Panamanian society, its history built on pillars of respect, coexistence, and intercultural exchange. Its enduring presence is a testament to the vibrant Jewish community that has contributed immensely to the nation's development across various sectors.

la congregación fue fundada en mayo de 1876 por judíos que llegaron principalmente de las islas del Caribe y se instalaron en el istmo. La necesidad de formalizar una organización para administrar un cementerio dio origen a la congregación.

— Rabino Gustavo KraselnikExplaining the founding of the congregation and its initial purpose.

Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik of Kol Shearith Israel shared that the congregation's origins trace back to Jewish individuals who arrived in Panama, then an isthmus, mainly from the Caribbean islands. The initial impetus for formal organization stemmed from the practical need to administer a cemetery, a fundamental requirement for any established community. Today, the congregation thrives, boasting a highly active and committed membership proud of their rich legacy and deep involvement in national affairs.

Hoy celebran un siglo y medio de vida con una comunidad muy activa, comprometida y orgullosa del legado de su historia y del involucramiento de sus miembros en la realidad nacional.

— Article textDescribing the current state of the congregation.

Businessman Stanley Motta highlighted the congregation's profound impact, noting that Kol Shearith Israel predates the Republic of Panama by 25 years. He emphasized the pivotal role some of its members played in the country's independence movement in 1903. Motta expressed optimism about Panama's progress and views this 150th-anniversary celebration as a fitting occasion to commemorate historical landmarks and acknowledge the community's ongoing contributions.

Kol Shearith Israel tiene 25 años más que la República y que algunos de sus miembros estuvieron muy involucrados en la independencia de 1903.

— Stanley MottaHighlighting the congregation's historical significance relative to Panama's independence.

The commemoration of 150 years serves as a powerful bridge connecting Panama's past, present, and future. It reaffirms the congregation's continued active presence in national life and solidifies its place within the broader historical narrative of Panama. The story of Kol Shearith Israel is not just one of religious observance, but of deep civic engagement and a lasting commitment to the nation's growth and identity.

Motta siente que las cosas van mejorando y que esta celebración es apropiada para conmemorar los momentos que marcan la historia.

— Stanley MottaExpressing optimism and the significance of the celebration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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