Jews in Taiwan

Unlike mainland China, the Jewish presence in Taiwan is relatively young, and was never numerous. The first sizable presence began in the 1950s, when American Jewish soldiers stationed in Taiwan held Jewish holiday services. This practice ended in 1971, when the United States cut off diplomatic recognition to the Republic of China in favor of the communist-ruled mainland China.

In 1975, Rabbi Ephraim Einhorn arrived to serve as the island's sole full-time rabbi. Since then, the Taiwanese Jewish community has comprised largely of foreign business executives and visitors. Under Rabbi Einhorn, holiday services have been held at various hotels in Taipei. Under an agreement between the rabbi and the management of the Ritz Landis Hotel, there are weekly services, kosher meals, and a Jewish library owned by the rabbi. Attendance peaks around the High Holy Days, numbering between 60 and 100.

Because the state of Israel has full diplomatic relations with mainland China, it cannot fully recognize the government of Taiwan, which China considers separatist. Nevertheless, Israel maintains an Economic and Cultural office in Taipei. As of 2006, there has been $1.3 billion worth of bilateral trade between Israel and Taiwan.

At this time, Taiwan has some 150 Jews, which is a slightly lower figure than in 1971, when the island had full diplomatic representation at the UN.

See Also

• History of the Jews in China

Sources

• Yiu, Cody "Taipei's Jewish community has deep roots" Taipei Times 2/15/2005
• Luxner, Larry "Keeping the Faith in Taiwan" Jewish Telegraphic Agency 11/4/2007