Mexico
The Jewish people of Mexico share much of the same history as many other Jewish people who settled in South America. After the conquest of the Aztecs in 1521, a number of Jewish Conversos (Jewish people who, under the Inquisition, had been forced to adopt Christianity at least outwardly) immigrated to New Spain or Mexico, as it was later named. Today Mexico has a Jewish population of over 40,000.They are mostly a mixture of Sephardic (Spanish) and Ashkenazic (European) Jews whose forebears arrived between the late 19th century and the eve of World War II. The overwhelming majority of them live in Mexico City.
Elias and Rosa Habif, who pioneered a work beginning in 2000, are spearheading Chosen People Ministries' efforts in Mexico. Their ministry began with a small group of three women, two of whom were Messianic Jews. They named this small fellowship Kehilat ha Derech-Congregation "The Way." Over time, the group has grown and late in 2002, the Habifs started another Messianic congregation in Pachuca City, approximately 50 miles from Mexico City.
Both Messianic synagogues have welcomed many Jewish seekers who come and hear the Good News of Messiah Yeshua. The Habifs have also developed many positive relationships with their non-believing Jewish neighbors who they continue to reach out to.
