2010-08-18 : “Have You Ever Heard of Suriname?”

Aug 18, 2010

Have You Ever Heard of Suriname?


How many of us have ever heard of Suriname?

If you have, did you know that there is a Jewish community there?

In fact, Suriname is not only the smallest country in South America, but also home to the oldest surviving Jewish community in the Americas.

Our friends at Kulanu who are dedicated to discovering and assisting little-known Jewish communities found in remote corners of the world, were in touch a few months ago to ask if we might be able to help with their latest Suriname project. When we learned what it was, we could not say no. Kulanu has initiated many different programs to awaken Jewish interest in the small community, but the one program that they so much wanted to make happen was a birthright Israel trip for 16 young adults. When birthright agreed to fund the trip and provide a Dutch-speaking guide, it was left to Kulanu to find the funds which would get these young travelers to Miami where they would catch the flight to Israel. The local community would do some of their own fund-raising and the Good People Fund offered Kulanu a $2000 matching grant to get them on the way to the full $12,000 they needed.

It didn't take long for others to step up and meet the challenge, and tomorrow 18 young people from Suriname, along with an advisor, will depart for the Holy Land.

As one of them wrote:

...the family that I descend from came to Suriname at the end of the 17th century. I want to learn much more about Judaism. I just started to have lessons with Rabbi Haim Beliak who left a few weeks ago and now I study with Mr. Jules Donk, the president of the community.

I'm very excited about the Birthright trip to Israel; I can't wait to see Israel. I'm hoping the trip will become an unforgettable experience.

We know it will be....