Although today there reportedly are fewer than 50 Jews in Myanmar (formerly Burma), this tiny number was not always the case. Most of the Jewish community fled (many to India) in 1942 because of the Japanese invasion and oppression by the local Burmese government. Nevertheless, the history of the Jews of Myanmar is fascinating and is explained below. The recent military coup against the democratically elected government has rocked the country’s 54 million citizens — including the Jews.
Quote: “Serious Jewish settlement in Burma [now Myanmar] didn’t begin until after the British conquered Rangoon [now Yangon] in 1852. In 1857, Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue was established in Rangoon, first taking the form of a wooden structure and later in 1893–6 rebuilt in stone. A second synagogue, Beth El, was built in 1932. The Jewish community scattered in several places in the country, particularly Mandalay, Bassein, Aykab, and Toungyi.”
Sources: Wilipedia, Jewish Virtual Library
Learn about the history of Jews in Myanmar (Burma) on Wikipedia. >>
Read “Myanmar Virtual Jewish History Tour >>
Read “Judaism In Myanmar Is An Unlikely Pluralism” and watch the short video at the end of the article [3:01]. >>
Watch “Myanmar military seizes control of government in apparent coup” [4:16]. >>
Watch “ Myanmar charges deposed leader following military coup” [7:11]. >>
Photo: Remote Lands
