The Jewish community in Jamaica dates back to the early 16th century, with many Jewish migrants fleeing from Spain and Portugal during the Spanish Inquisition. These settlers, who initially lived as conversos (Jews who publicly converted to Christianity while practicing Judaism in secret), found greater freedom when the English took control of Jamaica in 1655. Under English rule, Jewish Jamaicans were able to practice Judaism openly, and many became vital contributors to Jamaica’s economy, particularly in the areas of trade, commerce, and real estate. In towns like Port Royal and Kingston, Jewish merchants played key roles in developing local marketplaces, and some were involved in transatlantic trade, including the exchange of goods like silver and sugar. As landowners and property developers, they influenced early real estate patterns, establishing thriving communities and businesses, especially in Kingston after the 1815 fire that nearly destroyed Port Royal.
By the early 18th centu…
