DESCRIPTION:

Though isolated and persecuted, the Abayudaya – the Luganda word for "people of Judah” – practice full Jewish observance and yearn to be part of the Jewish nation. Their population is estimated at approximately 2,000, having once been as large as 3,000 prior to the persecutions of the Idi Amin regime, during which many were forced to convert. After the fall of Amin in 1979, the remnants of the Abayudaya community gathered to rebuild their community. Today, Rabbi Gershom Sizomu lives near the Moses Synagogue in the village of Nabagogye, which he and the community built with their own hands in the early 1980s a’ la the "Kibbutz movement."

 

Most Abayudaya are of Bagwere origin, and they speak Luganda, although some have learned Hebrew as well. The Abayudaya live among their Christian and Muslim neighbors in scattered villages in the fertile green hills of Eastern Uganda. Like their neighbors, they are subsistence farmers. In fact, the Jewish community there formed a coffee cooperative which, by design, includes Jews, Christians, and Muslims in a shared goal.

 

Even though the Abayudaya regard themselves as Jews, they realize that their isolation from the Jewish world is an obstacle to gaining a deeper understanding of Judaism. Beginning in 2002, at the community's request, Conservative rabbis joined Rabbi Sizomu in supervising the conversion or "affirmation" of most of Uganda's Jews in the community's mikvah, a process that continues today. “Our children are growing with interest in Judaism, with love for their tradition,” Sizomu said. “I only hope that my people get access to the outside world, where they’ll get more Jewish experience.” That’s where we can come in!

 

Along the way, a little time will be taken to appreciate the natural scenery that Uganda offers from Kampala eastward, with a few hours on Lake Victoria at the Jane Goodall Institute, stopping at Mabira Forest, and at Simi Falls. However, what makes Uganda famous as a wildlife destination lies in the far west of the country. Thus an optional second half of the trip will be offered to the national parks, focusing on the chimpanzees of Kibale National Forest and the diversity of wildlife at Queen Elizabeth National Park, for opportunities to see elephants, giraffe, lion, chimpanzees, crocodile, rhinoceros, and more. Another optional extension to track the spectacular and endangered mountain gorillas is possible.

 

CONSIDER:

Uganda is a third world country. 4-star tourist class hotels are provided where possible; they will be clean with en-suite facilities but do not expect European standards. Additionally, Ugandan roads are bumpy and dusty, and some rides are longer. Please inquire for specific details.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Visits to Kibale Forest, home to chimpanzees and foresr Elephants, and to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the Big Five. An additional extension to Bwindi Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest  for Mountain Gorilla Trekking.