Before The Spanish-American War there were virtually no Jews in Puerto Rico. The Jews that were there then were Conversos. When Puerto Rico became part of The United States after the war, Jewish entrepreneurs came from the mainland United States. After the rise of Nazism, Jews fled to Puerto Rico. The Jewish Community Center was founded in 1942. In the 1950's and 1960's, Jews immigrated from the mainland United States. Many Ashkenazic Jews, primarily of Polish and Russian ancestry came from Cuba fleeing from the Communist revolution. Immigration from Spain continues to this day and there are Spanish Jews today in San Juan usually involved in commercial ventures such as importing and trade. Many Jews from New York have retired in Puerto Rico. Typically, these Jews occupy the highest social, economic, and educational standing. Today most Puerto Rican Jews live in San Juan.
Topic: Puerto Rican Jewish History (Read 2819 times)