The Jewish presence in Palermo dates back to Roman times. Documents found in the Genizah of Cairo attest to their presence in the Middle Ages. Some of them arrived as slaves during the period of Muslim domination. They were freed financially by their co-religionists. Nevertheless, the Jews managed to emancipate themselves and participate in the active life of the city during this domination, ...

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Catania

Italy > Sicily

The Jewish presence in Catania seems to date from at least the 4th century, as attested by a tomb from 383. During the Middle Ages there were two Jewish quarters in the city, each with a synagogue. The first was located in the heights of Montevergine, the second in the lower part of the city. Nevertheless, the Jews were not confined to these quarters and were gradually able to participate in ...

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Agrigento

Italy > Sicily

A tomb found in the city of Agrigento attests to the Jewish presence since antiquity. Letters found in the Genizah of Cairo mention this presence in the 11th century. In the Middle Ages, Jews were subjected to church taxes and restricted in their practice. Fundraising was forced, especially to equip the King’s troops. Among the most prominent figures of the time was Faraj da Agrigento, ...

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Sicily

Italy

The Jewish presence in Sicily seems to date back at least two thousand years. Some archaeological traces and the life of personalities of the time, such as the historian Caecilius of Calacte, attest to this. The various conquests of the island, particularly by the Arabs and the Normans over the centuries, also evoke their presence. The cities of Palermo, Syracuse, Naso, Messina and Catania ...

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Contemporary Center of Jewish Documentation

Via Eupili, 8, 20145 Milano Tel +3902316338 https://www.cdec.it/

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Cremona

Italy > Lombardy

The Jewish presence in the city of Cremona dates back to at least the 13th century. The Jews were allowed to settle there and not to be limited to small professional activities. Thus, they also became farmers and merchants, just like the other inhabitants of the city. This development allowed them to become the largest Jewish community in Lombardy in the 15th century. Victims of political and ...

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Brescia

Italy > Lombardy

The Jewish presence in the city of Brescia seems to be quite old. Throughout the 15th century, they were alternately welcomed and expelled according to political and religious directives. Among the personalities of this century, we can note the presence of Gershom Soncino, printer of religious works, among which the Meshal Hakadmoni by Isaac ibn Sahula, the first illustrated Hebrew book. The ...

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