Jewish Singapore

Below is a selection of links to articles and web site references that are aimed at giving you an insight into the history and development of Judaism in Singapore. We would be delighted to receive (electronic) copies of other articles or references to additional weblinks. These can be sent to webmaster@uhcsingapore.org

Sojourners in Singapore It's the 1820's. You're a Jewish trader living in a province of the Ottoman Empire which is today Iraq. You're a bit adventurous . What do you do? A few such Jews emigrated into the growing European colonies in Asia to take advantage of the opportunities in trade. In the nineteenth century small numbers of Iraqi Jewish traders settled in entrepots all over Asia: Bombay (Mumbai), Culcutta, Rangoon (Yangoon), Penang, Surabaya, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kobe, and Singapore.Thus began Jewish history in Singapore. In 1830 historical records show ....
1996 - From an article by James Busis, Past President of the United Hebrew Congregation (Singapore)

Singapore Community The current permanent Jewish community numbers close to 300, most of whom are affluent, and quite a few of whom are prominent, leading figures in the business and legal professions here. Most originate from Iraq. The next largest group is from eastern Europe. Both were refugees from murderous regimes. Some of them did not come directly to Singapore ....
1994 - from an article by Professor Jeff Gordon, on one-year sabbatical leave from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel (Singapore)

Jews of Singapore When word got out in 1819 that Sir Stamford Raffles had talked the Sultan of Johore into permitting the East Indian Co. to establish a trading post in Singapore, a tiny jungle-swampy fishing village on the tip end of the Malay Peninsula, several Jews from Baghdad moved in. They started the fabulous trade center Change Alley, built homes, then they dashed back to Baghdad to fetch brides for themselves from there...
from an article by Terry O'Glick