The Jewish Quarter of Corfu.

The Jewish quarter of Corfu town still exists, although the once flourishing Jewish community is now reduced to less than a hundred people.

In early June 1944, the Nazi forces who occupied the island rounded up the Jewish community and imprisoned them in the old Venetian fortress. They were taken from there to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps, where many of them perished. Out of approximately 2000 Jewish people, only around 180 escaped. Many of these avoided imprisonment when they were sheltered by local families who sympathised with their plight.

The Jewish Quarter in Corfu town is in the old town area, with the main parts being Evraiki (Jewish Suburb), Ovriovouni (Jews Hill) and Ioudaico (Mount Judaic).
 

The streets, with their cobblestones and tall Venetian buildings still stand unchanged by the centuries. The tiny shops still sell traditional wares such as linens, household goods and hardware, as well as Jewellery made by craftsmen and leatherware.

Now and again you can still find a Jewish family of tradesmen, with photographs of the old Jewish community still in place of honour on the walls.

There were once two thriving synagogues in use, both of which dated from the 16^th century. The one at Ovirovouni was destroyed by German bombing during World War 2. The “New” synagogue, in Velassariou Street, is still in use, although it is only used for special celebrations.

There were also two large Jewish cemeteries, the Romaniote one at Avramiou Hill and a Sephardic cemetery, which was close to what is now Saroko square in the town centre.  The Germans vandalised and destroyed both these cemeteries during World War 2. The new Jewish cemetery can still be visited; it is close to the Catholic cemetery in the town centre.

Central offices of Jewish community of Corfu: Rizospaston Voulefton 5

Tel: +302661045650 Fax: +302661043791
 

World Heritage Status for the Old Town of Corfu.

The authorities in Corfu have applied for World Heritage Status from UNESCO for parts of the Old Town of Corfu, including the old Jewish Quarters, the New Fortress and the Old Fortress, as well as major parts of the old town which came within the town walls.

A decision will be made later this year as to whether the full status will be bestowed on Corfu. It would mean that the buildings and ancients streets of the Old Town would be preserved for future generations,  and that damaged buildings and infrastructure could be repaired in keeping with the traditional heritage of the buildings. It would also restrict any further developments in the scheduled areas.