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During the 2000's, approximately 100 Jews lived
in Botswana, nearly all of the
community in Gaborone. As of 2013, the Jewish community may no longer be present, though a number cannot be confirmed.
The majority
of the Jewish community was Israeli and worked
in agriculture, business or industry. On
the High Holidays, a rabbi was provided for
the community by the South African Jewish
Board of Deputies. Because there is no established synagogue,
services were either conducted in one of
the congregants’ houses or in a communal
center. Sometimes Friday night Shabbat services were held, with one of the congregants
leading the prayers. Jews are buried in
non-Jewish cemeteries.
In 1993, Israel and Botswana renewed diplomatic relations
after several years of disagreement. Israel is represented in Botswana
by the Israeli ambassador in Zimbabwe.
Sources: World
Jewish Congress
Jews
by Country
International
Jewish Cemetery Project |