JEWISH HISTORICAL DATES CURAÇAO
NETHERLANDS, WEST-INDIES

by
Runfina Bernardetti Silva Mausenbaum

1634 Samuel Coheno arrives with the Dutch squadron with commander van Walbeeck. He was
         the first Portuguese Jew in Curaçao.

1651 Joao de Ilhao founded the first agricultural colony in Curaçao.

1652 The first Synagogue in Curaçao is founded, built of wood.

1654 Recife surrendered to the Portuguese. The Jews start leaving Brazil. Many Jews settle in
         Curaçao. At that time the community "Mikve Israel" came into being.

1659 Seventy Portuguese Jewish colonists arrive in Curaçao from Holland. They obtained a
         piece of land near Blenheim, there they founded the famous cemetery Beth Haim (House of
         the Living), the oldest Portuguese - Jewish cemetery of the Western Hemisphere.

1674 Josiao Pardo was the first Rabbi in Curaçao, arriving with his family via Holland. The first
         synagogue was founded in Punda.

1692 The foundation of the second synagogue.

1703 Founding the third synagogue.

1713 Jacques Cassard ransacked Curaçao. The Jews are once more targeted and have to pay a
         large ransom. At that time there were already very wealthy people.

1715 The Hebrew Charity Society was founded; they helped financially in many places, also by
         the building of synagogues (in New York)

1732 The fourth synagogue is opened; this one is still in use.

1743 Consecration of the synagogue, "Neweh Sjalom."

1765 Lopes da Fonseca born on Curaçao, is chief Rabbi.

1856 Aaron de Jacob Mendes Chumaceiro, chief Rabbi, arrives via Amsterdam on the 19th
         January with his family.

1858 The government of "Mikve Israel" establishes a "Midrash," a religious school.

1867 The new Jewish cemetery on Berg Altena is consecrated.

1927 Settlement of Ashkenazi Jews, especially from Eastern Europe.

1940 Publication of the monthly paper, " Mive Israel."

1941 Foundation of "The Jewish Aid Society."

1946 Establishment of "The Jewish Foundation of Tempory Help."

1974 Solemn re-dedication of the Synagogue "Mikve Israel" on Curaçao after its restruction.

1982 The Synagogue "Mikve Israel Emanuel" on Curaçao, celebrates its 250 years jubilee.

E-mail: Rufina Bernardetti Silva Mausenbaum