Where and How Do Israelis Live in Cyprus Today? A Look from January 2024
Until recently, in the early 2000s, Cyprus was ranked 76th in the world in terms of its Jewish population size. For every 100,000 residents of the island of Aphrodite, there were 25 Jews. Cyprus has several rabbis (originally Israeli) and 3 synagogues, as well as a Jewish school. In 2003, around 350 Jewish families moved there, mainly from Israel, Russia, and Britain.
In 2005, Rabbi Aryeh Zeev Raskin officially received the position of Chief Rabbi of Cyprus. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education and Culture of Cyprus, the mayor of Larnaca, and members of the Cypriot government. The event emphasized the importance of the Jewish community on the island, where Israeli and Jewish families from Europe and Russia reside.
Practically, the history of Israelis living in Cyprus dates back to around the 2nd century BCE. From that period, we have the first information about the island's Jewish community. The story is quite complex, with historical accounts describing battles in which Cypriot Jews fought alongside local residents, such as during the siege of the city of Ptolemaida, where they stood by the side of the local king to resist Alexander Yannai. Or in the famous story of the victorious rebellion against the Romans and Emperor Trajan. The Jewish victory in Cyprus in 116 BCE served as a kind of catalyst for the beginning of the Jewish national liberation movement in the land of Israel and the Second Jewish War.
When discussing where Israelis live in Cyprus, we cannot ignore a period of almost two years, from 1946 to 1948, during which 50,000 European Jews lived in refugee camps here because the British did not allow them to immigrate to Israel. In memory of those who passed through the refugee camps here in 2014, the "Garden of Peace" was established in the village of Xylotimbu. During this time, 2,000 Jewish children were born in Cyprus to families who waited two years before being allowed to go to Israel. Today, more than a thousand Israelis born on the island have the right to Cypriot citizenship.
The Jewish community on the island and Israelis living in Cyprus maintain deep roots and actively participate in cultural and religious life. Israelis in Cyprus primarily live in cities like Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, and Ayia Napa. Synagogues, Jewish centers, and children's gardens have been opened in those cities.
One aspect of Jewish life in Cyprus is kosher food supply. Where Israelis live in Cyprus, there is kosher food available, but reports indicate that 90% of kosher food is imported to the island.
Wine is an integral part of Jewish history and tradition. "Cypriot Wine" holds a special place in history and is even mentioned in the Talmud. This special wine played an important role in the preparation of incense used in sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple. The Jewish community in Cyprus organized the production of "Cypriot Wine" - kosher. Under the guidance of Rabbi Zeev Raskin, a special blend of grapes was developed – Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir. This wine was named "Cypriot Wine" in honor of the ancient Cypriot wine. The first bottles of this historic and kosher wine were in the possession of Jews living in Cyprus, allowing them to enjoy a unique combination of tradition and quality wine. Since 2008, Israelis living in Cyprus can also enjoy wine produced at the Lambouri Winery in Kato Platres.
In this way, the Jewish community in Cyprus continues to contribute to the cultural and religious diversity of the island, integrating tradition with modern life.
According to estimates from the Israeli Embassy in Nicosia, in 2023, before the tragic events of October 7, 2023, there were about 10,000 Israelis living in Cyprus. This phenomenon, according to observers, stems from the attractiveness of real estate on the island, the climate, and a special way of life. The estimate is that the annual growth in the number of Israeli families choosing permanent residence in Cyprus is at least 700 families.
Where do Israelis live in Cyprus?
The city of Paphos, located on the coast, has become a special paradise for Israelis. They fall in love with the tranquility and beauty of this resort town, choosing it as their new home.
Despite its small size, the Jewish community in Cyprus is active and growing. For example, at the Jewish school in Paphos, which started with 15 children, there are now 25 students, and there is already a waiting list for registration for the next year.
And where else do Israelis live in Cyprus? What was the favorite and preferred place on the island of Aphrodite?
Limassol - the "Cypriot Tel Aviv" - a city with 250,000 residents and home to large international companies and high-tech companies. The casino project in development has become a magnet for Israelis buying property in the area.
The economic crisis provided Cyprus with an opportunity to offer citizenship through investment. Several Israelis, like Liv Leviav and Teddy Sagi, took advantage of this opportunity. In the heart of Limassol, the kosher restaurant has become a symbol of cultural exchange and diversity, offering exquisite gastronomy and new opportunities for interaction to the community.
And why do Israelis living in Cyprus choose Nicosia?
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the "Cypriot Jerusalem," the business and government center. Like Jerusalem in Israel, Nicosia perfectly combines the old and the new. It offers a wide range of cafes and restaurants, cultural sites, museums, historical sites, entertainment venues, and shopping.
After the outbreak of the "Iron Claws" war, the number of Israelis living in Cyprus increased by about 30%. At present, no one knows the exact number of Israelis in Cyprus, but their presence in the real estate market, buying apartments and villas, is quite noticeable. To the question of where Israelis live in Cyprus today, one can answer – almost anywhere. Israelis are becoming an integral part of the society and landscape of this small Mediterranean island with a population of 1.2 million, contributing to its diversity and prosperity.
