Nangolo Synagogue Completed

The Abayudaya community in Nangolo, Uganda completed the construction of a new synagogue. Joel and Melanie Beattie of Chase NW Roofing (chasenw.com) in Seattle gave and raised about $12,000, and Kulanu sent $7500. The Kahal Kadosh Beit Shalom Congregation held an opening ceremony on Sunday, April 10, 2022. More than a hundred people attended the event.

Nangolo is the home of JJ and Miriam Keki, leaders in the Abayudaya community. In the 1970s, when Idi Amin banned Judaism in Uganda, people in Nangolo prayed in caves. When Idi Amin was overthrown on the eve of Passover, 1979, they held a joyous seder celebration. We share the community’s delight that they have their own synagogue now. This photo shows JJ Keki (on left) with Jacob Mulabi, who served as liaison with Kulanu, and Joel Beattie.

Click here to see photos and videos of the synagogue construction through the celebration.