History of the Jews in Djibouti

Though situated between the historic homelands of the ancient communities of the Beta Israel and Yemenite Jewery and geographically serving as the main link between Arabia and the Horn of Africa there is no documented major presence of Jews in Djibouti until the 1800s.

It is unknown if the Djiboutian Jews are from the Adeni community or are Baladi from the north having just passed through Aden, as they have minhagim (customs) that reflect both.

[3] With a slowing of migration between Yemen and Djibouti in the early 20th century much of the community consisted of native Djiboutians who converted and married into the established families.

One of the last Rabbi's of Djibouti, Haham Yoseph Moshe would travel to Jewish communities as far as Addis Ababa and Asmara who sought out his skills as a mohel.

A modest cemetery and the grand synagogue (which was renovated into office spaces in 2012, leaving only the original outside facade) are the only two Jewish structures still standing in the country.