Learn about the 3 main waves of arrival of the community in Mexico and the survival during the Spanish Inquisition, before Mexico became a secular country. From the arrival along the Conquistadors to the Liberal 19th Century to World War II.​

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Exploring the history of the Jewish community in Mexico offers a fascinating insight into their resilience and contributions to Mexican society. Here’s an overview of the three main waves of Jewish migration to Mexico and their historical context:

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1. Early Arrivals and the Spanish Inquisition

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• Arrival with the Conquistadors (16th Century): The first wave of Jewish presence in Mexico dates back to the early colonial period. Many Jews, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, arrived in the Americas. These early Jews often had to convert to Christianity or practice their faith in secret. Some of these individuals were among the Conquistadors and explorers, integrating into the early colonial society while maintaining their Jewish identity covertly.

• Survival During the Spanish Inquisition: The Spanish Inquisition was notorious for its persecution of Jews and converts (Conversos) suspected of secretly practicing Judaism. Despite the dangers, some Jews managed to survive by practicing their faith secretly or integrating fully into the Christian society of New Spain. They left behind hidden evidence of their religious practices, and their descendants continued to navigate the challenges of maintaining their identity under oppressive conditions.

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2. The Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

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• Second Wave of Immigration (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): The second wave of Jewish immigrants arrived in Mexico during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw an influx of Jews escaping persecution in Eastern Europe, particularly from the Russian Empire and Poland, as well as from the Ottoman Empire. These immigrants contributed significantly to Mexican society, establishing businesses, schools, and community organizations.

• Establishment of Communities: During this time, Jewish immigrants began to establish more organized communities. The creation of synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions helped the community to thrive and integrate into Mexican society while maintaining their cultural and religious identity.

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3. World War II and Post-War Immigration

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• Third Wave of Immigration (1930s-1940s): The rise of Nazism and World War II led to a significant influx of Jewish refugees into Mexico. Many Jews fleeing the Holocaust sought refuge in Mexico, where they were met with varying degrees of support and integration.

• Post-War Era: After World War II, the Jewish community continued to grow and contribute to Mexican society. Many Holocaust survivors and their descendants settled in Mexico, enriching the cultural and social fabric of the country.

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Historical and Cultural Impact

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• Cultural Contributions: Jewish immigrants have made substantial contributions to Mexican culture, including in areas such as business, arts, and philanthropy. Their legacy can be seen in the diverse and vibrant communities they helped build.

• Community Preservation: Today, various institutions and organizations in Mexico work to preserve the Jewish heritage, including historical societies, Jewish museums, and community centers that document and celebrate the Jewish experience in Mexico.

• Educational Resources: For those interested in learning more, institutions like the Centro de Estudios Judaicos at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC) provide valuable resources and exhibitions related to Jewish history and culture in Mexico.

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This journey through the history of the Jewish community in Mexico reveals their remarkable adaptability and resilience. Each wave of immigration reflects broader historical events and highlights the enduring spirit of a community that has significantly shaped Mexican society.

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WHAT YOU WILL DO

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Learn about the founding of Mexico 700 years ago in a sitting-down intro chat while overlooking the Great Aztec Temple, near the Historical Synagogue, the Catholic Cathedral, and a Protestant Church. Hear about the arrival of Jews in 1519 C.E. and their tragic fate at the stake. We share how the city became the economic center of the Spanish Empire, ruling over territories in Asia, North America, and the Caribbean in front of the Central Customs House and the Palace of the Inquisition with its hidden messages persecuting Jews, mainly trading ones, for centuries.

Find out how the Laws and Civil War of Reformation transformed Mexico into a secular state open to new immigrants, and the anti-Fascist resistance that succeeded in canceling the first anti-Semitic convention. Later at Loreto Park, around which the second wave of Jewish immigrants settled at the end of the 19th century from Eastern Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and those who were not accepted at Ellis Island, you will see two of the oldest synagogues and visit one of them. We'll learn about the progression from tailors and seamstresses to the textile and jewelry industries that established Mexico's financial system, primarily with Jewish capital.

We conclude by exploring Mexico's rescue of Jews during WWII and the 1970s abandonment of these synagogues as Jewish families migrated to more affluent areas of the city.

 

WHERE YOU WILL BE

 

We will be in the Historic Center of Mexico City. We will walk from the Great Aztec Temple to Santo Domingo Plaza to the Mixcalco area.​

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED

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• The experience's specialized host and expert.

• Small group access.

• Introductory chat with coffee service.

• Multiple stops. 

• Entrance to open, private, or public, locations whose internal visit is mentioned and that might or not require reservations or tickets.

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THE EXPERIENCE

 

On this experience you will discover 500 years of specialized history in Mexico. You will see the development of the community from their three waves of arrival to date in very significative sites.

 

STARTING AND ENDING POINTS, FACILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION

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The experience begins next door to the Great Aztec Temple. Visits do not return to the starting point. This experience ends at the corner of Justo Sierra and Loreto streets, close to Teatro del Pueblo station on Line 4N. Uber or other cars can pick you up at the end. Your host will always remain with you until he makes sure everyone has the right directions and/or help for their next destination.

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