Nicknamed the “imperial city” because of the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio is the city of Corsica with the largest number of inhabitants. It is known for its numerous monuments paying homage to him, but also its churches and museums.

Napoleon, who brought about the emancipation of Jews not only in France, but also in many parts of Europe during his conquests, particularly in Italy, putting an end to the ghettos of Rome, Venice, Verona and Padua.

Following the end of the Ottoman Empire as a result of the First World War, hundreds of Jews from Syria and Lebanon arrived in the port of Ajaccio in a French military ship. They were warmly welcomed by the prefectural and municipal authorities, as well as by the general population. They quickly integrated into the local way of life.

The town of Ajaccio does not have a synagogue today, but a Habad center has been present there since 2016.