Sri Lankan Historical Jews

  

The history of Jews in Sri Lanka is a lesser-known but fascinating chapter in the island's diverse historical narrative. Tracing their presence back to at least the 9th century, Jews have been a part of Sri Lanka's multicultural tapestry for centuries. The island, referred to as Serendib by Arab traders, was a significant stop on ancient trade routes, which facilitated the movement of people and cultures, including those of Jewish merchants and settlers.

In the 10th century, the Arab Muslim traveler Abu Zeid al Hasan from Siraf, Persia, provided one of the earliest recorded mentions of Jews in Sri Lanka, noting their significant numbers. This account suggests that Jews were well-established, possibly engaged in trade and other commercial activities, leveraging the island's strategic position along maritime trading paths.

Further evidence of the Jewish presence in Sri Lanka comes from the 12th century when Benjamin of Tudela, a Sephardi Jew and medieval adventurer from Navarre, Spain, reported encountering around 3,000 Jews during his travels in the region. His writings indicate that there was a thriving Jewish community, which likely played a role in the local economy and society.

Despite these early accounts, the detailed activities and the extent of integration of Jews in Sri Lanka during these periods remain somewhat obscure, partly due to the limited historical documentation specifically focusing on their community. Over the centuries, as trade dynamics shifted and colonial powers took control of the island, the prominence of the Jewish community might have waned.

The Jewish community in Sri Lanka in modern times has been quite small, particularly after the establishment of Israel in 1948, which led to migration trends where many Jews moved to Israel. Today, the Jewish presence in Sri Lanka is minimal, with only a few families and individuals maintaining their heritage.

Despite their small numbers, the historical presence of Jews adds a rich layer to Sri Lanka’s complex cultural and historical landscape, highlighting the island’s role as a multicultural hub influenced by various ethnic groups and traders from around the world.