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Manx Jews cling on to island life

May 19, 2016 11:22
The Isle of Man capital Douglas

By

Josh Jackman,

Josh Jackman

3 min read

From a Jewish perspective, the Isle of Man is known as the place German Jews were interned alongside Nazis as enemy aliens during the Second World War.

These days, around 200 Jews live on the tiny island, mostly in the capital Douglas. This small community is without a synagogue, a rabbi, or a place to buy kosher food, but it does have a representative in the island's 1,037-year parliament.

Leonard Singer, 73, was elected to the Tynwald after 40 years of public service, and has responsibility for trade and finance on the island.

"I knew from the age of eight I wanted to go into public office," he said. "A candidate for the local council was canvassing my father and I decided right there and then. I wanted to speak up for people."