Jewish Quarter and Diamond Quarter, Antwerp
Antwerp is internationally famous for its diamonds, and rightly so: Some 85% of the world's rough diamonds, 50% of cut diamonds, and 40% of industrial diamonds are traded here annually -- together they're valued at more than $12.5 billion and account for roughly 7% of total Belgian exports.
The diamond cutters of Antwerp are world renowned for their skill. More than 12,000 expert cutters and polishers are at work in the Diamond Quarter, at 380 workshops, serving 1,500 firms and 3,500 brokers and merchants.
Many diamond dealers and traders belong to the Antwerp's Orthodox Jewish community, which has a long tradition of handling diamonds. More than 80% of the city's Jews are involved in the diamond trade and Yiddish is the main language spoken at the diamond exchange.
Antwerp has about 15,000 Jews and one of the largest ultra-Orthodox communities in the Diaspora. Approximately 95% of Jewish children in Antwerp attend Jewish day schools and receive intensive religious education. The city's 30 synagogues are all Orthodox. Kosher food can be easily found in Antwerp; there are several kosher delis, restaurants and grocery stores.
The Jewish community of Antwerp is mostly confined to Pelkinstraat, which begins at the Centraal railroad station, and the surrounding streets. Just around the corner from the train station is Diamondland, where visitors can view diamond processing.
Sites in Antwerp's Jewish Quarter include:
- Great Synagogue (Main Synagogue) Romi Goldmuntz, with a chorus on Saturday mornings. Built in 1928.
- Hollandse Synagogue on Bouwmeesterstraat, built in 1893
- Oosten Synagogue on Oostenstraat, constructed in 1913-1914
Travel Resources
- Antwerp Hotel Reviews - unbiased ratings from fellow travelers
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- Antwerp Travel Forum- tips, advice, invaluable information
