14/05/2026
Historic and Emotional Cultural Commemoration Held in Sosúa Marking the 86th Anniversary of the Arrival of Jewish Refugees 🇩🇴🇮🇱
Sosúa, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic — The community of Sosúa experienced one of the most moving and historically significant cultural commemorations in recent years with the celebration of the 86th anniversary of the arrival of Jewish refugees to the Dominican Republic. The event brought together national and international authorities, Jewish survivors, diplomatic representatives, community leaders, and distinguished guests from around the world.
The commemoration featured an extensive program of ceremonial, cultural, and institutional activities honoring the historical memory, solidarity, and legacy that forever shaped the identity of Sosúa and the Dominican Republic.
The activities began at the historic Sosúa Synagogue, where the Jewish community held a symbolic and reflective ceremonial gathering. Following this, authorities and special guests gathered at the Star of David Monument located at Playa Alicia’s Mirador Park, where a solemn tribute was held in honor of the Jewish refugees who arrived in the country in 1940.
The day concluded with the screening of the documentary “They Called Us Trujillo’s Jews” before a full-capacity audience of more than 700 attendees at the Sosúa Bay Convention Center, becoming one of the largest and most emotionally impactful commemorative events ever held in the region.
Among the international guests were documentary producers Toba Fish and David Rosenberg from New York; former United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Robin Bernstein; and Consul Ilan Vulej, representative of the Embassy of Israel in the Dominican Republic.
The event also welcomed important Dominican authorities and public figures, including Puerto Plata Senator Ginette Bournigal; Sosúa Mayor Wilfredo Olivences; representatives of the Jewish community of Sosúa; local and international Jewish survivors.
