Jewish, English-speaking in Gibraltar

People Name:	Jewish, English-speaking
Country:	Gibraltar
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	800
World Population:	5,430,800
Primary Language:	English
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.50 %
Evangelicals:	0.30 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Jewish
Affinity Bloc:	Jewish
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The tiny English-speaking Jewish community in Gibraltar has a very complicated history. Their ancestors are mostly Sephardic Jews, expelled from Spain in 1492. From there, they settled in Morocco. In the early 1800s, England conquered Gibraltar. They brought some of these Jewish people to Gibraltar from Morocco, especially merchants who provided provisions for British soldiers stationed there. There was a time when the British expelled the Jews from Gibraltar, but later they allowed them to return.


In time, English became their preferred language. Most of them live in the center of downtown on Main Street.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Jewish population in Gibraltar is small, but visible. They have their own kosher restaurants, synagogues and schools. In this part of the world, Jewish people are trying hard to maintain their distinction from the rest of society. One of the effects is their adherence to Orthodox Judaism. Even in this small area, there are a couple of Orthodox synagogues that date back over 100 years. They are ornate, beautiful and well attended. They are used for worship; these are not just cultural sites.

What Are Their Beliefs?

For religious Jews in Gibraltar, God is the Supreme Being, the Creator of the universe, and the ultimate judge of human affairs. Beyond this, the religious beliefs of the Jewish communities vary greatly. Orthodox Jews generally follow the traditional religious beliefs and practices found in the Jewish literature that interprets Scripture regarding ethical, religious, civil, and criminal matters.


Reform Jews do not believe that the Jewish Law is divinely revealed. They are not restricted to kosher foods. They neither wear the skullcap (yarmulke) when praying nor use Hebrew in prayer. All religious Jews believe in the coming of a Messianic Age, but only the Orthodox Jews look for a personal Messiah.

What Are Their Needs?

Jewish people have a wonderful understanding of their connection with the Abrahamic Covenant. However, they also have a history of rejecting Jesus Christ as Messiah, the one who fulfilled that covenant. They tend to view Christianity as the religion of their oppressors rather than the fulfillment of what God promised all of humanity through Abraham centuries ago.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to give the Jewish people in Gibraltar hearts that will want to please him. May they look to the Lord for guidance and truth, and not be satisfied with cultural traditions.


Pray for Jewish people in Gibraltar to begin a movement to Jesus Christ, finding ways to exalt him while honoring their culture.


Pray for the Lord to move among Jewish leaders in Gibraltar to open the doors to Christ's ambassadors.