New Shluchim to the Greek Island of Mykonos

In response to growing interest in Jewish life on the island, on Pesach Sheini, the first-ever Chabad House in Mykonos, one of Greece’s islands known for its stunning scenery, white sandy beaches, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, was opened by Rabbi Uziel Moshe and Shterna Sarah Friedland.

Mykonos, one of Greece’s most enchanting islands, is famous for its stunning scenery, white sandy beaches, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. A small Jewish community resides there, comprised of Israeli, French, and American business owners.

Mykonos, one of Greece’s most enchanting islands, is famous for its stunning scenery, white sandy beaches, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. A small Jewish community resides there, comprised of Israeli, French, and American business owners.

Mykonos attracts tourists from around the world—especially from Israel—with seven direct flights each week from Israel to the island.

Responding to the growing demand, on Pesach Sheini, 13 Iyar, the first-ever Chabad House in Mykonos opened under the leadership of Rabbi Uziel Moshe Friedland and his wife, Shterna Sarah, guided by the head shliach to Greece, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hendel.

The shluchim are working to provide both local Jews and visitors to the island with a warm and welcoming space.

Even before the official opening of the Chabad House, there was great interest from both the local community and tourists in holding Jewish events on the island, including bar and bas mitzvahs, weddings, and the establishment of a mikva.

Chabad of Mykonos invites all Jewish travelers to come visit, connect, and feel at home—even in the heart of Greece.

“We see how the Rebbe is with us every step of the way,” Rabbi Friedland shared. “At the start, we rented a storage unit for the kosher food. Out of the hundreds of storage units in Mykonos, we happened to choose one in particular.

“The owner asked us, ‘What are you storing?’ We told him: ‘Kosher food.’

“He reacted with emotion: ‘I’m Jewish too. I’m originally from America and my mother used to eat kosher. I was fortunate to have a bris as a baby, and my Jewish name is Moshe…’

He continued, visibly moved: ‘I want to learn about Shabbos and get closer to Yiddishkeit. My mother passed away and was buried in a Jewish cemetery…’”