Taiwan's first Jewish community center opened in Taipei City

【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】According to the Taipei City Government, Mayor Ko Wen-je attended the institute's inaugural ceremony on December 29 at the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center.

During his speech, the mayor expressed his delight at the formation of a new Jewish centre in Taipei City. It is also the first non-denominational meeting venue for the Jewish community living within Taiwan's boundaries.

A synagogue, a mikveh, a kosher restaurant, a daycare center, and a Judaic Museum are all part of the complex. What's more essential is the new center's location: The institution, which is in downtown Taipei, allows interested residents to learn more about Jewish tradition and culture.

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Ko Wen-je led Taipei city to create a culturally inclusive and livable city. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government)

The mayor recalled his travel to Israel in 2019 for the 33rd International Mayor's Conference, which allowed him to witness Jewish communities up close. He discovered that there are many excellent Jews around the world who play vital roles in numerous fields. As a result, he is eager to discover ways to deepen relations between Taipei and Israel while also allowing Taipei City to learn more about Jewish culture.

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Taiwan's first Jewish community center opened in Taipei City. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government)

Students from Ironi Zain School visited Taipei City in 2019 and interacted with their peers from Renai Junior High School and Zhonglun Senior High School, according to Ko. This was the first step in cultural cooperation between Taipei and Israel. He hopes that in the future, students from Taipei would visit Israel to continue city diplomacy and educational exchanges.

The mayor concluded his remarks by thanking Jeffrey D. Schwartz and the Na Tang Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association for their work in building the center and expressing his happiness on its opening. Ko believes that diverse groups may coexist peacefully in a city that welcomes all cultures and people, emphasizing democracy, freedom, diversity, and tolerance as core values of Taipei City.