“From Lisbon to Bnei Brak”: the story of a Portuguese woman who emigrated to the ultra-Orthodox capital of Israel

Bnei Brak is the ultra-Orthodox capital of Israel. It is a city where 250 thousand people live and the ancient traditions of Judaism are followed to the letter. “From Lisbon to Bnei Brak” is the Special Report by Henrique Cymerman.

It was there that Sónia Gomes, a Lisbon native from the Olivais neighborhood, emigrated seven years ago. She practically had no relationship with the Jewish world. Sónia’s mother had Jewish roots, but was completely secular.

Sónia studied at two conversion centers to Judaism, but as she was the daughter of a Jewish mother, an official conversion was not necessary.

In ultra-Orthodox society, most marriages are organized with the help of an old-style matchmaker. This is how Yaacov, 33 years old, a politician and resident of Bnei Brak, was introduced to him. Dating is also very different from usual. The two young people are never alone nor do they touch each other. The first time the bride and groom touch each other is after the wedding ceremony and before the party.

The SIC correspondent spent several days with the 31-year-old Portuguese woman to understand what attracted her and how she lives in the ultra-Orthodox capital of Israel.

“From Lisbon to Bnei Brak” is this Tuesday night’s Special Report, written by SIC’s Middle East correspondent, Henrique Cymerman.