Jewish, Spanish-speaking in Venezuela
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| People Name: | Jewish, Spanish-speaking |
| Country: | Venezuela |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 4,700 |
| World Population: | 288,500 |
| Primary Language: | Spanish |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.50 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.10 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Jewish |
| Affinity Bloc: | Jewish |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Jews in Venezuela date back to the 17th century with a Jewish community established by the middle of the 19th century. However, tension arose between the government under Hugo Chavez and the Jewish population in the late 20th century. Large numbers of Jews emigrated due to both the pressure and the country’s economic crisis, and today the majority of Venezuelan Jews live in Israel.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of Venezuela’s Jews are members of the middle and upper classes. Jews are prominent in many fields including medicine, academia, commerce and industry. Venezuela’s Jewish community is known for its intense closeness. Everyone is part of one extended family often referred to as the “kehilla,” the Hebrew word for community. However, the country’s hyperinflation, rampant violence, hunger and deepening poverty have forced many into a new diaspora. Nearly all these Venezuelan Jewish immigrants have settled in the United States, Israel, Mexico or Panama. Those who remain generally live in Caracas, sometimes depending on each other for survival.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Although Christianity had reached into the villages of the Sonjo, the overall response has been very slow and in some cases hostile. Their traditional religion is strong, and its adherents have focused efforts to frighten young Christians back into traditional beliefs. Nonetheless, their culture does have a door through which Christianity may enter; they believe that their god once lived among them and has promised to return.
What Are Their Needs?
The Temis need clean water sources and e-to-get-et to medical clinics.
Prayer Points
Pray for Jewish people in Venezuela to begin a movement to Jesus Christ, finding ways to exalt him while honoring their culture.
Pray that they look to the Lord for guidance and truth and not be satisfied with cultural traditions.
Pray for the Lord to raise up loving, patient ambassadors to go to the Spanish-speaking Jews in Venezuela.