Newsroom
The Jewish Community of Cyprus welcomed Israel’s Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli, to Larnaca on Wednesday, marking an important discussion about the growing Jewish presence on the island and strengthening ties between Cyprus and Israel.
The community now estimates that approximately 4,000 Jewish families live in Cyprus, a dramatic increase over the past 20 years. This growth has been driven by several waves of migration, including 70 families in 2003, 500 families before the COVID-19 pandemic, and another 1,000 families following changes in the legal system. The most recent surge occurred after the October 7 war in Israel, which prompted many to seek safety and stability in Cyprus.
During his visit, Minister Chikli met with the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, to discuss a range of important issues. These included diplomatic collaboration, security challenges, and the rising concerns over antisemitism in the region. The discussions focused on ensuring that the Jewish community in Cyprus continues to thrive in a secure environment, while also deepening the strong relationship between Cyprus and Israel.
As the Jewish community grows, both in numbers and influence, their concerns about safety and solidarity with Israel remain at the forefront of ongoing conversations between the two nations.
