The Jewish population of Algeria dropped from 130,000 in 1960 to about 3,000 at the present time, it was reliably reported here today. The number fell to 50,000 in 1962, most of the Algerian Jews going to France after Algeria achieved independence from French rule.
There were 17 synagogues in Algiers prior to the country’s independence and now only one–the Great Synagogue–remains open. Most of the buildings owned by the Jewish community under French rule were requisitioned by Algerian authorities. About 650 of the remaining Jews live in Oran.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
