Overview
It is always fascinating to learn about your culture and history as you travel.
Though there are lots of things that are vying for your time in this city, you may decide to learn more about the culture and contributions of the Jewish people during a half-day of your stay.
Buenos Aires has been a haven for the Jewish people more than a few times in history. After the expulsion from Spain in 1492, Jews settled in Argentina. Argentina gained its independence from Spain in 1810, which brought about another wave of immigrants. Then, in the late 19th century, a another wave of Jewish immigration fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and other Eastern Europe countries, moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. Between 1906 and 1912, Jewish immigration increased at a rate of 13,000 immigrants per year.
The current history of the Jewish people in Argentina is one of inclusion as well as exclusion depending on the government policies at any particular time. In 1983 the first democratic president was elected in Argentina and since then, regardless of who was dictating law, the Jews have found Buenos Aires a comfortable home, willing to accept their talents.
Throughout Argentina’s history, Jews have held a large stake in the country’s fur, textile, chemical, electronics and auto industries. Both Banco Mercantile and Banco Comercial were founded by Jews. On the other hand, Jews are still absent from the high ranks of the military, foreign ministry and judiciary.
Amongst the highlights you will pass in the Jewish neighborhood, you will visit Argentine Israelite Mutual Association building, referred to as the AMIA. This is the site of the bombing on July 18, 1994 which cost 85 lives. The new building houses a memorial to those victims and one of the exhibits has a film of the Israeli Embassy which was also attacked.
A visit to the Holocaust Museum, which opened in 1993, is also on your itinerary. It has a collection of objects and pictures from World War II along with documentation which has been provided by survivors of the Holocaust who moved to Argentina from all over Europe.
We include a stop at the Libertad Synagogue, referred to as the Grand Synagogue, where a Jewish Museum has been arranged inside. Your guide will have knowledge of the history and population of the Jewish people and their contributions to the community.
After you complete this itinerary, if time allows, you can use your vehicle and your guide to do some local shopping. You are near Alvear Avenue, the most prestigious neighborhood in the city. If not shopping, you can ask your guide for some suggestions for a quick local lunch before you return to your starting point.
- Food, beverages and gratuities are not included.
- We will need each passenger's name, birthdate, passport number and expiration date at the time of booking.
You must have your original passport on hand to access the AMIA.- The Grand Synagogue has guided tours on Tuesday-Thursday from 11:00am to 6:00pm.
- **Please note that The Holocaust Museum is currently closed and should be reopening in February but this date is TBD. When it is open regularly, it is open from Monday - Thursday 11:00am-7:00pm, and from 11:00am - 4:00pm on Fridays.**
- The AMIA is open Monday- Friday at 10:00am (except the 18th of every month)
- None of these properties are open on the Sabbath, Jewish holidays or National holidays.
Days offered: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Departures:- 09:00 AM, duration: 4 hours Tour is only available in the morning due to AMIA timing
