Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Jews first arrived to Mexico in the 15th century as Conversos escaping the strict policies of the Spanish inquisition. The Spanish crown, however, began enforcing its severe Inquisition policies in Mexico in 1571, opening an Inquisition office in Mexico City.

As a result, it wasn’t until the 19th century that practicing Jews began to immigrate to Mexico. By the 20th century, Mexico saw the arrival of an influx of Jews from the Ottoman Empire who sought to escape the political instability incurred by the deterioration of Ottoman influence and power. Following the revolution that began in 1910, Mexico returned to political stability, and more Jews from Europe arrived in the country. By the mid-1920s, Jewish life in Mexico was quite diverse and integrated along ethnic lines.

The first signs of a developing Jewish community may be found during the long presidency of Porfirio Díaz (1876–1910), known as the Porfiriato. During this time, the predominant Jewish immigrants were emancipated and assimilated Jews from France and Germany who did not fully identify with Judaism. In the last years of the Profiriato, Mexico witnessed a new, though reduced, Jewish presence with few economic resources. New immigrants came from the Ottoman Empire and Eastern Europe. Most of them were shoemakers, furriers, traveling salesmen or tailors. They settled in provincial towns such as Puebla, Veracruz and Chiapas, before moving to Mexico City — where 75% of the Mexican Jewish population now lives.

Today, Mexico is home to between 40,000 and 50,000 Jews, making it the fourteenth largest Jewish population in the world. Characterized by its strongly traditionalist communities, ranging from Orthodox to Conservative, and its variety of institutions, Mexican Jewry is composed of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Levantine Jews, and is considered one of the most active Jewish communities in the world.

There are three main groups which make up the country's Jewish population: Ashkenazi Jews from Central and Eastern Europe, Sephardi Jews from Turkey and the Balkans, and Levantine Jews, primarily from Syria who are themselves divided into two separate communities, the Halebis (from Aleppo) and the Shamis (from Damascus). Each of these groups established its own institutions and despite efforts to unite the different communities, divisions based on places of origin or culture have largely remained.

– Jewtina y Co. (2021)

FAQs: traveling with KIVUNIM Americas

Who can travel with KIVUNIM Americas: Mexico? 
For our first alumni-led experience, alumni of the KIVUNIM gap-year program, as well as their partners and friends, are welcomed. Members of the ROI Community, a fellowship for young Jewish leaders, have also been invited to apply. 

How large will the group be? 
We’re going to be a group of approximately 20 participants. So limited space is available for March! 

Where will we be staying? 
Our week-long adventure will have us immersed in the nation’s capital, Mexico City. We’ll divide our nights between the Hostel Suites DF in the historical center and Círculo Condesa Hotel in Condesa, the hippest neighborhood and home to our Shabbat hosts, the Centro Comunitario Condesa (JCC Condesa). 

What’s the COVID situation? 
All KIVUNIM Americas participants are required to be vaccinated or boosted within six months of travel. Program administrators will provide guidance on necessary documentation and the return-to-US testing requirement. Mask compliance in Mexico is very high and participants are advised to follow local safety practices.