Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, diverse culture, and colonial history. However, few people are aware of its connection to Jewish history. While Mauritius has never had a large Jewish community, the island played a crucial role during World War II, when it became a place of exile for Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution.
Early Jewish Presence in Mauritius
Before the 20th century, there is little recorded evidence of a permanent Jewish community in Mauritius. As a former French and later British colony, the island’s population mainly consisted of Africans, Indians, Chinese, and Europeans. However, Jewish traders and travelers likely passed through Mauritius, given its strategic location along Indian Ocean trade routes.
Jewish Refugees and the Beau-Bassin Camp (1940-1945)
One of the most significant Jewish historical events in Mauritius occurred during World War II. In 1940, a group of 1,580 Jewish refugees—mostly from Austria, Germany, and Poland—attempted to escape Nazi persecution by boarding the ship Atlantic to British-controlled Palestine. However, British authorities, enforcing strict immigration policies, denied them entry.
Exile to Mauritius
Instead of allowing them to settle in Palestine, the British deported the refugees to Mauritius, where they were imprisoned in the Beau-Bassin Camp, a former prison complex. The group consisted of men, women, and children, who had already endured persecution in Europe and harsh travel conditions at sea.
For five years (1940-1945), these Jewish refugees were held in Mauritius. While the conditions were difficult, local Mauritians showed sympathy, and some even helped provide support.
Liberation and Post-War Period
After the end of World War II in 1945, the surviving Jewish prisoners were given the option to settle in Palestine, now under British control. Most of them eventually made their way to the newly established State of Israel in 1948.
Once the Jewish refugees left, there was no permanent Jewish community in Mauritius. However, their story left a lasting impact on the island’s history.
Jewish Heritage in Mauritius Today
While Mauritius does not have a large Jewish population, traces of Jewish history remain:
The Jewish Cemetery in Saint-Martin
- The Saint-Martin Jewish Cemetery, located near Beau-Bassin, is a memorial site for the 127 refugees who died in Mauritius.
- A plaque honors their memory, and visitors still come to pay respects.
The Beau-Bassin Prison (Former Camp)
- Though the prison is no longer in use, the site remains an important part of Mauritius’ Jewish history.
Jewish Life in Mauritius Today
Mauritius does not have a large Jewish community, but it welcomes Jewish tourists, business travelers, and expatriates. The island’s peaceful environment makes it a great destination for kosher-friendly tourism, and with the help of Chabad, Jewish visitors can celebrate Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and kosher meals.
The Jewish history of Mauritius is a story of survival, exile, and resilience. While there has never been a permanent Jewish population, the island played an unexpected role in World War II, serving as a place of refuge for those escaping Nazi persecution.
Today, the Saint-Martin Jewish Cemetery and Chabad of Mauritius keep the Jewish legacy alive on the island, ensuring that this forgotten chapter of history is never erased.
