Modern Jewish Life in Gran Canaria

Spain’s Jewish population, concentrated mainly in Madrid and Barcelona, numbers approximately 47,000. Although the Jewish communities in the Canary Islands are relatively new and small, they are dedicated to preserving their heritage. As a result, a visit to Gran Canaria reveals a vibrant Jewish presence that few would expect. 

Following the expulsion and forced conversions during the Spanish Inquisition between the 15th and the 19th centuries, Jewish presence in Spain was nearly nonexistent until the last century. Many Jews from North Africa began to “return” to the lands of their Sephardic ancestors, primarily settling in the continent. A smaller group ventured to the Canary Islands, forming new communities. 

In the middle of the 20th century, a modest influx of Jewish families arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. These families, mostly of Sephardic origin from North African cities such as Tangier, Tetouan, Casablanca and Alcazarquivir, were looking for new opportunities while maintaining their Jewish practices. 

In 1959, Salomón Zrihen, a Moroccan Jew from Tangier, arrived in Las Palmas. Finding no Jews at all, he saw both the potential of the island and the need for Jewish life. So, he encouraged friends and acquaintances from Morocco to join him, unwittingly laying the groundwork for a thriving community that continues to this day. 

The Zrihen home became a hub for the local Jewish community. Raised in the midst of regular religious services, Salomón deepened his knowledge of Jewish history, Hebrew, and halacha (Jewish law) in order to lead the growing congregation. He also forged strong ties with Jewish leaders in Tenerife, contributing significantly to the regional Jewish presence.

As more families arrived from Tangier, Tetouan, Ceuta and Melilla, the Jewish community of Gran Canaria grew into a formal congregation. On September 6, 1978, the community was officially recognized as the Comunidad Israelita de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, registered with the Spanish Ministry of Justice. 

The first synagogue was located in Calle Remedios 10, before moving to Calle León y Castillo, where it remains a place of worship and community gathering. Weekly services, Shabbat and Jewish holidays are celebrated here, continuing the legacy of its respected leader, Salomón Zrihen, who served as president until his passing in 2017. 

A Vibrant Destination for Jewish Visitors
Today, Gran Canaria is an internationally renowned tourist destination, attracting five million visitors annually. Because of that, the local Jewish community has become a point of interest, drawing visitors from the diaspora and Israel. Tourists explore the island’s Jewish history, from the Inquisition era to modern times, and participate in Sephardic Jewish celebrations infused with Canarian culture. 

Facing the challenges of assimilation and migration, Gran Canaria’s Jewish community works diligently to sustain its identity. Visitors to the synagogue not only experience the community’s rich culture and traditions but also support its growth and prosperity. 

Exploring Gran Canaria offers a unique opportunity to connect with a resilient and vibrant Jewish community, preserving its heritage in the heart of the Canary Islands.