Santiago, host to the third largest Jewish community in South America, has more than 20,000 members and a variety of important areas that contain a long history that began with the Spanish conquest. This tour will highlight several of these unique locations as you travel through the metropolitan capital of Chile.
Bomba Israel
Following a pickup from your hotel and a quick briefing about the day’s adventures, this journey through the Jewish community of Santiago begins with a visit to Cerro Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia Hill), the site where conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the city on February 12, 1541. It is said that many of the Chile’s first explorers were accompanied by “conversos”, converted Catholic Jews who still secretly practiced Judaism. Used as a lookout point for some time, Santa Lucia Hill offers an amazing view of downtown Santiago and a glimpse into the beginning of Chile’s history and Jewish community.
As you continue on the journey, you will also have the opportunity to visit Bomba Israel. Located in Ñuñoa (once a largely Jewish part of Santiago), it is an all-volunteer fire brigade that was established in 1954 under the principles of solidarity, tolerance, and respect for the human condition. Each member of the Fire Station Israel is Jewish and the brigade proudly drives its fire trucks with the flag of Israel alongside that of Chile. One of their especially distinctive contributions is the creation of and support for a youth brigade that trains young adults in firefighting, rescue operations, CPR, and first aid.
Afterward in your exploration of the Jewish community, you will visit one of Santiago’s ten synagogues and learn about religious life in Chile. The final stop before returning back to your hotel is the Estadio Israelita Maccabi, a 4,000-member Jewish community center. Inside the Estadio Israelita is the Jewish Sephardic Museum, which contains historical costumes and candelabras donated by Sephardic immigrants. The historic community center, which opened in 1953 as a place to share in common traditions and culture, continues today as a staple of the Chilean-Jewish community.
The tour ends with a private transfer back to your hotel.
Optional: In addition to the standard half-day tour, you can enjoy a lunch at the Estadio Israelita Maccabi and more fully immerse yourself in Jewish community of Santiago. You will then visit an all-Jewish retirement community or a local Hebrew school.
Recommended trip combinations:
Price Per Person: USD$ 195
*Based on a minimum of 2 travellers
*Price valid until August 31st, 2015
Availability/Restrictions: Available Monday – Friday, year round.
Requirements are a copy of your passport, completed informational form, and the tour must be booked two weeks in advance.
