Chile is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in South America after Argentina and Brazil. With about 16,000 Jews, it amounts to approximately 0.11% of the Chilean population. Chile is also home to the largest Palestinian community outside the Middle East. They are estimated at about 300,000 who have their own institutions and political representation.
The Jewish Community of Chile has been present in the country since 1535. Today, more than 50 institutions make up the Jewish community of Chile. The largest concentration is in Santiago, with small communities existing in other provinces with varying degrees of organization.
The Jews in Chile feel welcomed by the country, a Chile that has given them opportunities, and where they could develop as a community with freedom of worship. The presence of the maximum national authorities in emblematic religious services such as Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah is is a tradition that is repeated every year. Also the community organizes annually service of Tefila for Chile, which is attended by the President and Ministers, and it is a tradition also the igniting of the Janukia in the Casa de la Moneda, seat of the national Government.
