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The Kahal Shalom is the oldest intact and functioning synagogue in Greece and the only remaining synagogue on the Island of Rhodes where there were once six synagogues and prayer halls in the Jewish Quarter (called “La Juderia”). The Kahal Shalom is believed to have been built in 1577. It is still used occasionally for prayer services when visitors or former residents and their families visit the Island for Friday night prayer services, High Holiday services and for special occasions, and is open to the public most day as a historic monument.

The Jews of Rhodes and Kos were deported to Auschwitz in late July 1944. Many died along the way during a long and harrowing journey. The rest met their deaths immediately by gas, or over a longer period as slave laborers.

This memorial was the first to be erected at the synagogue. A larger memorial was built at that Jewish cemetery in 1949. A more public monument in the old Jewish quarter was dedicated in 2002.