Moroccan Jews of Cabo Verde Magen David Sephardic Synagogue, March 2018
On March 10, 2018, Cape Verde Jewish Heritage Project in conjunction with the Magen David Sephardic Synagogue in Rockville, MD, showcased the “Moroccan Jews of Cape Verde.” Thanks to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Embassy of Cabo Verde and the Sally and Irving Korobkin Education Fund for their generous support. H.E. Carlos Wahnon Veiga, Cabo Verde’s Ambassador to Washington, addressed the crowd of almost 200–a mix of Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews, Cape Verdeans and diplomats. Our beloved Gardenia Benros, “a voz da alma caboverdiana,” whose ancestors hail from Tangier, captivated the audience with her musical performances in Crioulo and Ladino. She spoke with pride of her paternal Sephardic forebears. Carol spoke about her lifelong affinity to Sephardic history and culture and professional involvement in Cabo Verde since the 1980’s. She also made a slide presentation illustrating the evolution of the Cape Verde Jewish Heritage Project, which thanks to help from many descendants, Cabo Verdean authorities, donors and other partners, is making good progress. See our publications page for articles about the event