Madagascar's First Permanent Synagogue Reclaims Island's History from Dark Nazi Plan

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The construction of Madagascar's first-ever synagogue in the capital city of Antananarivo represents a profound act of reclamation, establishing a permanent Jewish presence on an island once targeted by the Nazis' 'Madagascar Plan' to deport and isolate European Jews. Led by Batya and Jerry Kestenbaum, this historic project aims to honor the island's Jewish heritage and provide a vibrant center of spiritual life and learning for the growing local community.

Why it matters

For decades, the 'Madagascar Plan' remained a dark footnote of the Holocaust, with the island once envisioned as a massive open-air ghetto where many Jews were expected to perish. The construction of this synagogue represents a symbolic reclaiming of that history, transforming a site once intended for Jewish destruction into a permanent hub of spiritual and cultural life.

The details

The synagogue's architectural design honors both Jewish tradition and Malagasy culture, featuring a dedicated women's section, a central sanctuary with a beautifully crafted Aron Kodesh, and on-site ritual baths and family bungalows. In a symbolic gesture of growth, the community recently celebrated Tu B'shvat by planting fruit trees across the grounds.

• In 2015, a historic mass conversion of over 100 Malagasy people was facilitated by the nonprofit Kulanu, signaling a new era of Jewish growth on the island.
• In 2024, Batya Kestenbaum visited the site of the new synagogue during the construction process.

What they’re saying