Congregation Kol Shearith Israel – the oldest synagogue in Panama - celebrated its 140th anniversary on May 9, 2016 with an overflow crowd of members, friends and well-wishers from around the world. Dignitaries in attendance included Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, Israel’s Ambassador to Panama Gil Artzyeli, as well as dignitaries and members of various religious groups in Panama.
Kol Shearith (Hebrew for “Voice of the Remnant of Israel”) was founded in 1876 by the descendants of Spanish-Portuguese (Sephardi) Jews who originally fled the Inquisition. The Congregation has played an important role in the creation of numerous organizations and institutions of great value in Panama, such as the Fire Department, the National Symphony Orchestra and the Technological University of Panama.
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