As far as we know, the Jews of Panama are relatively recent arrivals. Panama did not become internationally significant before the opening of the canal in 1914.
Timeline of Panama
- 1501: Rodrigo de Bastidas becomes the first European to explore the Isthmus of Panama.
- 1513: Vasco Núñez de Balboa reaches the Pacific Ocean.
- 1821: Panama gains independence from Spain as part of Gran Colombia.
- 1876: Congregation Kol Shearith Israel established
- 1903: Panama separates from Colombia and becomes an independent nation.
- 1904-1914: Construction of the Panama Canal.
- 1941: Panama’s new constitution grants citizenship to children of immigrants born in Panama.
History of Jews of Panama
It is speculated that there were New Christians living in colonial Panama, but it has not been proven. Portobello was founded in 1597. In 1668 the city was attacked and captured by English pirates out of Jamaica, led by Henry Morgan. There was great violence and cruelty. Panama City was attacked in 1671, but the Spanish managed to save most of their valuables.
Congregation Kol Shearith Israel was established on 14 May 1876 in Panama City, primarily by Sephardic Jewish families from the Caribbean islands of Curaçao, St. Thomas, and Jamaica.
After the opening of the Panama Canal, more Jews moved to Panama.
A lot of Panamanian Jews later moved to the United States.
Sources for the Jews of Panama
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