WILLEMSTAD – The Sephardic Jewish community on Curaçao is marking its 375th anniversary this year, underscoring the enduring presence of one of the island’s oldest active religious institutions. The milestone follows a recent visit by representatives of the community to the Governor of Curaçao, Mauritsz de Kort, where preparations and the significance of the jubilee were discussed.
The anniversary centers on the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Punda, widely known as the Snoa. Built in 1732 on the site of earlier houses of worship, the synagogue is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere and remains a focal point of religious and cultural life on the island.
The roots of the Jewish community on Curaçao date back to 1651, when Sephardic Jews, arriving via Amsterdam, settled on the island and formed the foundation of the Mikvé Israel congregation. Over time, the Snoa grew into the spiritual and communal heart of the community.
During the visit to the Governor, synagogue board chair Mali Blanken-de Waard highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the anniversary and reflected on the role the Jewish community has played in the development of Curaçao. Throughout the centuries, the community was closely tied to the island’s emergence as a regional center for trade and culture. In the eighteenth century, Jews made up a significant share of the white population of Curaçao, leaving a lasting imprint on its social and economic history.
Despite changes in size over time, the synagogue has remained in uninterrupted use. Its distinctive features include the sand-covered floor, historic wooden benches and eighteenth-century copper chandeliers. These elements reflect Sephardic traditions and recall periods of religious persecution in Europe, when sand floors were used to muffle the sound of prayer.
Today, the Jewish community on Curaçao numbers several hundred members and remains active. Beyond its religious function, the Snoa serves as an important cultural heritage site and a major attraction for visitors. The 375th anniversary year is being used to reflect on the long tradition of religious tolerance on the island and the lasting contribution of the Jewish community to Curaçao’s identity.
Further commemorative activities are expected throughout the year as the community celebrates this historic milestone.