About Us

The Administrative Committee of the Jewish Community of Rhodes

Administrators of the Jewish Community of Rhodes

Benjamin Albalas, Vice President, Bella Angel Restis, President and Andreas Mordoh, Secretary General.

Carmen Cohen, Director

The Founder of the Museum

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I was born in Los Angeles and am a third generation “Rhodesli”. I am an attorney in Los Angeles where I have been practicing immigration law since 1980. During my first three years of law practice, I worked for the Jewish Family Service in Los Angeles representing the agency with their refugee and asylum cases. Since March 1982 I have practiced immigration law in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.

In 1974, and more recently in July 1996, I have written articles for the Western States Jewish Historical Quarterly concerning the Rhodeslis who emigrated to Los Angeles. This was carried out with the encouragement and cooperation of its editor, Rabbi William Kramer.

I was inspired to visit the Island of Rhodes in 1975 by stories told to me by my grandparents. Its special charm and history fascinated me. Several years later, in 1995, I went back to Rhodes with my family for my children to learn of their family heritage. It was during that trip that I noticed the need of advancing the public awareness and appreciation of its unique history unfortunately devastated by the Holocaust.

Over the past year I created two institutions to fulfill this goal. First, I established The Rhodes Jewish Museum, which exhibits photographic materials and other artifacts, and secondly I set up The Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation, which is a non-profit organization to be used as a vehicle for furthering this goal. In October 1997, I created this web site in order to be an information source for people interested in the history of the Jews of Rhodes as well as those planning to travel to Rhodes. The web site has been technically designed with the kind assistance and computer expertise of my brother, Don Hasson.

I hope the web site will be an enjoyable learning experience for all viewers.
Aron Hasson