Luis de Torres, Columbus's Converso interpreter, was the first Jew to set foot in Haiti. The first Jewish immigrants came from Brazil in the 17th century, after Haiti was conquered by the French. In the beginning of the 20th century, Jews from Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt settled in Haiti, followed by Jews from eastern Europe in the 1930s. There has been steady emigration during the second half of the century. Most of the remaining Jews live in Port-au-Prince. The Jews of Haiti have never been able to establish a communal organization. Religious services are organized in a private home.

Israel and Haiti enjoy full diplomatic relations. Israel maintains an honorary consulate in Port-au-Prince and is represented by its ambassador in Panama.

Contact address: P.O. Box 687 Port-au-Prince Tel. 509 1 20 638

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