Jewish communities in what is now known as Algeria date from Roman times. A large influx of Jews from Spain began in the late 14th century. At the start of World War II, there were over 115,000 Jews living in Algeria. As a result of the war for independence from France in the late 1950's and early 1960's, there was a steady flow of emigration from Algeria. By 1969, there were fewer than 1,000 Jews remaining in Algeria. The vast majority of the Jews emigrated to France.
The above postcard depicts the Synagogue in Algiers, Algeria, the capital of Algeria. The Jewish community dated from the 14th century. A small Jewish community existed in the late middle ages. A large influx of Jews from Spain began in the late 14th century. Prior to independence from France in 1962, the Jewish population reached a peak of 34,000. After independence, the Jewish community emigrated, with the vast majority going to France and some to Israel and America.
The above postcard depicts the Synagogue in Oran, Algeria, a port on the Mediterranean. The Jewish community dated from the 14th century. At its peak, the Jewish population was about 2,000. After Algeria gained its independence in 1962, the Jewish community left for France and Israel.
Encyclopedia Judaica, 2:612-620, 2:621-24, 12:1446
http://www.bh.org.il/Communities/Archive/Oran.asp
Copyright © 1998 Edward Victor