Kosher and Jewish Life in Milan

Jewish history in Milan dates back as early as the first centuries, during the Roman period. The early history of the Jews of Milan is tumultuous with the destruction and rebuilding of the synagogue and Jews being exiled from the area. There were only 500 members of the Jewish community in the mid-19th century. The Jewish community only began to grow after Jews were granted full rights as citizens with the unification of Italy in 1859. The Jewish community continued to grow and a new large synagogue was built in 1900. At the onset of WWII, the Jewish community in Milan numbered around 12,000 but by the end of the war, there were only about 5,000 Jews, including refugees from the surrounding area. Jews from Arab countries immigrated to Milan after the State of Israel declared independence. Today, there are about 5,500 Jews living in Milan.
The city has a number of synagogues, Jewish schools, Chabad and kosher restaurants and shops. Milan, as well as other cities in Italy have a rich Jewish history and vibrant Jewish communities. Italy is a popular vacation destination all year round as well as for Passover Programs. See our detailed list of Passover Programs around the world.