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So why a museum? The Jewish community on the Island of Rhodes, known as "La Juderia", was once a thriving center for learning and living which was ended by the Holocaust. Today, the Island of Rhodes is one of the most popularly visited vacation places in the Mediterranean Sea. The vacationers come from all countries of the world, utilizing international charter air flights as well as luxury cruise ships. These visitors walk the streets of "La Juderia" lacking knowledge of its Sephardic Jewish history. In fact, during the months of April to October, the Kahal Shalom has approximately 75 visitors per day. Unfortunately, there is almost nothing at the Kahal Shalom to inform it's visitors of it's unique history. Although most of the remnants of Jewish life is absent as a result of the Holocaust, this Museum is an important first step of more expansive efforts in preserving the unique history of the Jews of Rhodes.
Planning the restoration with team of workers in the courtyard ("cortiju") of the Kahal Shalom. The team consists of: architect, electrician, carpenter, painter and assistants.
Photo shows Jacob Sakkis, one of the three members of the Rhodes Jewish Community, directing the construction of the first phase of the museum. In the photo, left to right: Joseph Alhadeff (of Brussels), Lefteris Paraskevas (office manager) and Jacob Sakkis. The rooms were quickly renovated within a short 3 week time period.
The photo below shows Aron Hasson helping to direct the work being undertaken to restore the women's prayer rooms for the Museum.
This after photo was taken in September 1997 at the Kahal Shalom synagogue in Rhodes.
