Major ethnic communities of Aruba mesh easily into island life while retaining their identity
Aruba is home to expatriate residents of 79 nationalities, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. A part of that population transcends nationality, and there are large sub-communities of Hindus, Jews and Chinese that maintain their own holidays, traditions and culture, while still becoming active and viable components of the general Aruban society.
The forty families that comprise the congregation of the Temple Beth Israel would never consider themselves a tourist attraction, but for the many island visitors that are Jewish, the life style of their compatriots, or landsmen in the Caribbean, is of great interest. Some regular visitors have gone so far as to become overseas members of the synagogue, which now counts nearly 150 familites to whom they send a monthly newsletter. Many that spend their winters in Aruba make it a practice to get involved with the temple on the Sabbath or to join the congregation for observance of the important holidays, and they are always made welcome.
Temple Beth Israel was constructed in 1962 at the Adrian Lacle Boulevard #2 in Oranjestad, on land donated by the Hochman family. The house that is now occupied by Rabbi Mario Gurewitz and his wife Sara is attached to the property. Services are conducted every Friday night, and most Saturday mornings, particularly if there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, and visitors are welcome to join in the group festivities that are a part of the holiday observances.
For more information visit their website: http://bethisrael-aruba.blogspot.com
Aruba?s Hindu community is particularly noted for their spectacular celebration of Dewali in the fall, when all the youth perform during a gala dinner held at one of the resorts; it is a trip to Bollywood! Aruba?s Hindu community has grown quite large over the past twenty years, establishing themselves as some of Aruba?s most respected businesses, and getting involved in many service organizations such as Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.
One of Aruba?s best known Hindu residents is Karina Daryanani, whose shop, Palais Hindu, is considered THE place to go for wedding, and in particular, Christmas d?cor. Karina and her family is a fine example of how ethnic groups seamlessly integrate into island society, sharing a holiday that is special to a largely Catholic community, where many go to decorate their homes and place of business; Karina is well appreciated for her artistry.
Aruba?s Prime Minister Nelson Oduber and members of his Cabinet, including Minister of Finance Nilo Swaen, and Minister of Justice Rudy Croes, stood arm in arm with the Chinese community and visiting Ambassador of the People?s Republic of China to Venezuela to cut the ribbon on the New China Club on January 25, 2009, the Chinese New Year welcoming the Year of the Ox.
The more than 4000 members of the Aruban Chinese community realized their dream of their own cultural center with the assistance, both financially and spiritually, of many Aruban friends. It is fitting that the same day as Aruba celebrates the birthday of one of its founding fathers of autonomy, Betico Croes, was the same day that parliamentarians showed their acceptance and support for the Chinese community by joining them for this momentous event.
Major ethnic communities of Aruba mesh easily into island life while retaining their identity