The Jewish Community of Porto welcomed the Ann and Nate Levine Academy between May 8 and May 11 for an educational and cultural visit that strengthened ties between the Jewish communities of Portugal and the United States. The delegation, composed of 20 Jewish students accompanied by their rabbi and school staff, took part in a series of activities aimed at deepening their understanding of Jewish life, heritage, and contemporary community experiences in Portugal.
The group was welcomed for a guided visit to the synagogue by the president of the Jewish Community of Porto, Gabriel Senderowicz. The students had the opportunity to learn more about the history and current activities and challenges of the Jewish Community of Porto.
"The Community is the world leader in promoting Jewish culture and yet its reputation was destroyed by the Portuguese socialist system, which called it opulent..In Belgium, the Chairman of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe's face was displayed on posters in the streets with the caption dangerous Zionist. "These two mere examples show what it means to be Jewish in Europe today," said Senderowicz.
Then, American students became familiar with some community lessons.
"You must assume that the system doesn't like you or Jewish work" - said Senderowicz. "You exist to honor the community, not to have false friends. Forget the principle of the separation of powers of the state. It is a farce. The state and its press mix everything up when they want to destroy the Jew. Invest the community's resources in religion and culture, so that they cannot steal everything you have. Please document the history of the community, produce books and films about what you do, what you see, who attacks you and why. Have your ketubah signed by Jewish authorities, as the state will try to say you are not Jewish. Start from the premise that the system is corrupt. Finally, never shake hands with fools, because as our Turkish brothers say, you can take a donkey on a long journey and it will return the same donkey."
Another key moment of the program was a visit to the Jewish Museum of Porto, where the students received a detailed presentation on the history of Jews in Portugal and specifically in the city of Porto. The museum sessions explored centuries of Jewish presence in the country, including periods of prosperity, persecution during the Inquisition, and the modern reestablishment of Jewish communities.
The exchange provided a meaningful educational experience for the visiting students and reinforced international connections between Jewish communities committed to preserving heritage, promoting education, and strengthening cultural understanding across generations.
