Jews and Judaism in Uzbekistan

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Jews and Judaism in Uzbekistan have two distinct communities; the more religious and traditional Bukharan Jewish community and the more progressive, European-in-origin Ashkenazi community. There are approximately 12,000 Jews in Uzbekistan, with 9,000 in Tashkent.[1] There are twelve synagogues in Uzbekistan.[2]

Most Uzbek Jews are now Ashkenazi due to the emigration of Bukharan Jews to Israel and the United States.[1]

There are three synagogues in Uzbekistan, two of which are Bukharan, and one of which is Ashkenazi.[1]

[edit] Judaism in the Ferghana Valley

Semyon Abdurakhmanov is the head of the Ferghana Jewish community. There are six synagogues in the Valley. There are several hundred Jews in Fergana, Namangan, and Kokand, with about 800 total in the area. Aburakhmanov has said that the biggest problem facing the Jewish Uzbek community is the economy, not antisemitism, despite the increasing radicalization of Muslims in the area.[2]

When Islamic terrorists tried to overthrow the government in May 2005, the Israeli Embassy in Tashkent asked Aburakhmanov to make a lists of Jews "in case there will be a need to airlift people to Israel."[2]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Rift over root differences remains unmended for Jews of Uzbekistan Jewish Telegraph Agency
  2. ^ a b c Uzbek Jewish worries JTA
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