The Jews of Finland have built their community from scratch — and JDC is helping to power their vibrant Jewish future.
Though Jewish Finland is relatively new, having emerged only in the last 200 years, it more than makes up for this short history with its passion and commitment to dynamic Jewish life. In the heart of Scandinavia, Finland’s Jews have pioneered a community from the ground up — and JDC has been there to help it thrive.
Finnish Jewish history effectively began in the first half of the 19th century when Jewish soldiers (so-called Cantonists), who served in the Russian Army in Finland, were permitted to stay in Finland by the military authorities following their discharge. In 1889, the government issued an administrative decree governing the presence of Jews in Finland. Under this decree, several Jews were allowed to remain in the country and build a community.
At first, life for these Jews was restricted. They were allowed to work primarily as dealers in second-hand clothes, were forbidden to attend fairs or perform their activities outside their town of residence, and children were allowed to stay in Finland only as long as they lived with their parents or were not married. The slightest violation of any of these rules served as grounds for expulsion from Finland.
It wasn’t until 1917, when Finland became independent, that Jews received civil rights. For the first time, Jews could become Finnish nationals. When World War II began, Finland allied itself with Germany. While Finland did not formally adopt anti-Jewish policies, the country’s Jews had to endure antisemitic propaganda and discrimination. Thankfully, JDC helped spirit Jews to safety in Sweden, working with the Jewish refugee committee in Helsinki (founded in 1938) to provide this care.
More than eight decades later, Finland’s Jews are looking toward the future — one filled with meaningful Jewish life, energetic Jewish leadership, and deep connections to Jewish Europe and the world.
