Rock of Gibraltar

British fortress, Jewish haven The Jewish Museum’s latest exhibition illustrates 300 years of British history and Jewish life in Gibraltar, the rock prominence which stands guard at the strategic entry to the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Morocco. Since 1704 the story of the British garrison and Gibraltar’s Jewish community have been intertwined. Despite the Treaty of Utrecht having sought to banish Jews and Muslims from the Rock, by 1805, the year of the Battle of Trafalgar, Jews comprised more than half the Rock’s civilian population. Many of today’s Gibraltarian Jewish families originated from North Africa, their forebears having sailed across the straits to trade with the British. Their heritage can be seen in personal and religious artefacts, and in photographs taken by Ruth Morris of beautiful Georgian synagogues, the ancient Jewish cemetery, and members of the families who have lived on the Rock for generations. ‘Gibraltar Rock – British Fortress, Jewish Haven’ can be seen at the Jewish Museum, 126 Albert Street, Camden Town, London NWl. Senior citizens’ admission £2.50. Please telephone 0207 284 1997 for opening times and further details.