Los judíos en Cuenca durante 1930-1945

Abstract

The Jews came to Ecuador in an era of political and economic crisis. That is during the 30s and 40s. The Ecuadorian society and state policies get prepared to receive a group of immigrants but if these people got engaged in agriculture and industry. In this context, 30 Jewish families of German, Polish and Czech origin came and start a new life. They also devoted to agriculture and industry in accordance with existing laws. However, the attempts they made in agriculture failed. Aside they devoted to the industry of paja toquilla hats; they established quinine and meat industries. The Dorfzaun Export and the Karl meat company are examples of these successful industries. Although trade was forbidden, they exercised it. Moreover, they introduced the installment sale which was an innovation at the time. The Jewish ladies are remembered for being skilled cookers and the bar-restaurants that they started were the novelty gastronomy. Referring to the culture, the interference was smaller but it had a relative importance because of the presence of Jewish professors. The most representative was Egon Schwarz who wrote for the Informaciones and La Escoba newspapers. Finally, Jewish immigrants were received remarkably, with exceptions of course, since the city was considered conservative but the changes in the lifestyle of 7 or 8 families show the opposite. Indeed the society was receptive to these changes of living. The only thing that made a difference was the region since it was practiced openly and people respect it.