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Syrian Mexicans

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Ethnic group

Syrian Mexicans are Mexicans of Syrian origin. According to the 2000 census, there were 246 Syrians living in Mexico. In 1890, there were more than 1,000 Syrians residing in the country^{[citation needed]}, but the vast majority emigrated to the United States because of the Syrian civil war.

In the early 20th century, several thousand Syrians emigrated from the Ottoman Empire to Mexico. The majority of the Syrian emigrants were of Jewish origin primarily from Aleppo and Damascus. Thousands of Syrian Jews lived in the area from the 1920s to the 1950s, creating a similar counterpart of their Middle Eastern homeland within its streets and plazas. Mexico City's Syrian Jewery is unique in that it was divided in the 1930s into two separate communities, those who were initially from Aleppo (the "Maguen David" community) and those who originated from Damascus.^[1][2] Several prominent Mexican intellectuals, politicians and businesspeople are of Syrian origin. Most Syrian immigrants settled in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Toluca, Tapachula, Cuernavaca and Chiapas.

In 2015, the Mexican government allowed a few Syrian refugees to come to Mexico and complete their university education, with the assistance of a local Mexican NGO.^[3] Mexico also donated US$3 million in support of Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and in Turkey.^[4]

Mexico City is home to one of the world's largest and most vibrant Syrian Jewish communities. This community has roots that date back over a century and has played a significant role in shaping Mexico City's multicultural identity. The history, culture, and contributions of the Syrian Jewish community in Mexico City are numerous.^[2]

The Syrian Jewish community in Mexico City began to take shape in the early 20th century when several families from Aleppo in modern-day Syria started to migrate to Mexico. They were seeking new economic opportunities and a better life and fleeing religious persecution and political instability in their homeland. The initial wave of immigration took place between the 1910s and 1920s, but it continued in smaller numbers throughout the 20th century.^[2]

The Syrian Jewish community in Mexico City is characterized by a strong sense of cultural identity and adherence to their customs and traditions. They have preserved their unique religious practices, language, and cuisine. The community speaks a distinct Judeo-Arabic dialect known as "Haketiya" or "Judeo-Syrian," which blends Arabic, Hebrew, and some Spanish elements. This linguistic heritage is an important part of their identity and is a marker of their distinctiveness from other Jewish communities.^[2]

Regarding religious practices, the community follows Sephardic traditions, which originated in the Iberian Peninsula and were spread by Spanish and Portuguese Jews after their expulsion in 1492. These traditions differ from those of the Ashkenazi Jews, who originated in Central and Eastern Europe. The community is known for its distinctive prayers, melodies, and religious customs passed down through generations.^[2]

The Syrian Jewish community in Mexico City is well-integrated into the broader society while maintaining its distinctiveness. They have established synagogues, schools, and other institutions to cater to their spiritual, educational, and social needs. These institutions serve as focal points for the community, fostering a strong sense of unity and mutual support.^[2]

Over the years, the Syrian Jewish community has significantly contributed to Mexico City and the broader Mexican economy. They have excelled in various fields, including textiles, manufacturing, and commerce. Many community members have become successful entrepreneurs, contributing to the growth and prosperity of their adopted homeland.^[2]

The Syrian Jewish community in Mexico City is a testament to the city's rich multicultural heritage. With roots that go back over a century, this community has managed to preserve its unique cultural identity while significantly contributing to Mexico's economic, social, and cultural landscape. As Mexico City grows and evolves, the Syrian Jewish community will undoubtedly remain an integral part of its diverse tapestry.^[2]

Syrian immigration to Mexico between 1921 and 2000[5]
Year	Syrian residents
1921	4.715
1930	5.159
1940	1.041
1980	893
1990	478
2000	319
2010	222
2015	3.633

• Isaac Saba Raffoul, billionaire businessman
• Ikram Antaki, writer
• José Sulaimán, boxing official
• Mauricio Sulaimán, businessman and sports administrator
• Fernanda Arozqueta, member of the Mexican pop band, La Nueva Banda Timbiriche and actress with a Syrian father

• Arab Mexican
• Lebanese Mexicans
• Mexico–Syria relations