For the Greek Jews, a visit to Rhodes is an annual pilgrimage to commemorate their ancestors who lived here for 2,000 years – up until July 23, 1944, when the last among them were deported to Auschwitz.

Even though they were losing the war, Nazi troops ventured to Rhodes and Kos in their final efforts to exterminate one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe.

In what became known as ‘the longest journey’, the Jews of Rhodes – the last group of Greek Jews sent to the extermination camps – spent nine days on a cargo boat to Athens, followed by 13 days in cattle wagons to Auschwitz.

“My grandmother, Sylvia Berro, was among the 1,673 who arrived at Auschwitz on that day, and is one of 101 who survived,” Ashley Gritzman, who is of Greek Jewish heritage, wrote on Facebook.

“Today, 71 years later, my 94-year-old grandmother shows her Auschwitz tattoo (A-24369) to her seven-month-old great-grandson.”

His public status update, accompanied by a touching photo, received thousands of likes and shares by Greek Jewish Facebook users worldwide.

Every August, Holocaust survivors and descendants prepare for their yearly homecoming in an effort to preserve the Rhodesli heritage.

“What is it about Rhodes that is so attractive that we were driven to create the same community wherever we went? What is it that was so special, that unites all these people?” said 91-year-old Stella Levi, who survived Auschwitz and later settled in New York.

“I think it was because we were all one family, and that’s what we are trying to pass on to the new generation, the atmosphere that was here, the happiness of being together, living with doors that were open, with hearts that were open.”

For many descendants, being able to come back and pray in the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, which dates back to 1577, has been a powerful touchstone.

Bella Angel Restis, who became president of the community in Rhodes in 2000, funded and oversaw its renovation as well as the opening of an adjacent museum back in 2004.

Restis also inaugurated a Holocaust memorial in the Square of Jewish Martyrs in the heart of the old town, which according to the remaining local Jews, doesn’t seem to be getting much respect.

“After a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument, I was surrounded by curious, sunburned European tourists and local Greeks hawking souvenirs and souvlaki, or meat skewers,” said Carmen Cohen, the current director of the community.

“Only five of the twenty-five families that attempted to restart the community remain on the island today.”

Source: The Jewish Heritage Facebook group, Forward