JEWISH HERITAGE EUROPE

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ICELAND


Jews in Iceland
Jewish Cultural Heritage Sites in Iceland
Keflavik [Keflavík]
Sources

Jews in Iceland
Although we know of occasional visits by Jews to Iceland from the 17th century onwards, there was nothing close to a resident community before the 1930s, when some refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe settled in the island-country. The United States and NATO military presence has brought a few further Jewish residents in its wake, mostly expatriates. Today, there are only a few score Jewish residents or citizens in Iceland. The best known Icelandic Jew is Dorrit Moussaieff, the Israeli-born wife of President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. Iceland's 60 or more Jews gather for some holiday celebrations and events. Members of the Jewish community have discussed applying for official registration as a religious organisation, but to date there has been little interest in the idea.


Jewish Cultural Heritage Sites in Iceland
There is no synagogue or Jewish centre in Iceland, nor are there any other formal Jewish sites.

Keflavik [Keflavík]
NATO base
Temple of Light

According to Vilhjálmsson there has been a Jewish congregation on the American NATO military base at Keflavík since the Second World War. A decade ago, the multi-purpose ecumenical 'Temple of Light' was built on the base. One of its halls can be used as a synagogue when needed. Before this, Jews on the base met for religious services and events in an old corrugated iron hut.

Sources


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