JEWS IN ECUADOR
Lejol Ish Yesh Shem
“L’chol Ish Yesh Shem” means “Every person has a name,” a phrase that reflects a profound truth in Judaism: every life is unique and has unparalleled value. This name represents the importance of remembering each individual, not just as an anonymous figure, but as someone with a story, a legacy, and a distinct identity.
This project was born from a deep desire to honor those who are no longer with us, but whose presence remains a part of our lives. My interest in this initiative stems from the connection my father always instilled in me with Judaism, fostering an unconditional love for my religion.
In 2019, during a trip to Israel, we visited the Holocaust Museum (Yad Vashem), and I remembered the cemetery tours we used to take together during the holiday of Yom Kippur, where he invited me to join him. It was then that I realized that in Guayaquil, many deceased people have been forgotten. I considered it a great mitzvah to give a voice and a memory to those people who are part of our history, creating a space where their memories will never fade.
Here, every photograph, date, and word bears witness to lives worth remembering. I invite families and loved ones to share their memories, so that together we can build an eternal legacy, where love and history intertwine, keeping their spirits alive forever.
I’m Mijal Nevo, an 18-year-old girl (in 2025) born in Guayaquil. Six years ago, on a trip to Israel, I visited Yad Vashem, and it was a life-changing moment. Although I was young, the experience opened my eyes and prompted me to delve deeper into the history of the Holocaust and the Jewish community.
This project was born from my desire to honor those who are no longer with us, but who were a fundamental part of the growth of the Jewish community in Ecuador. Through this page, I want to keep their memory alive, share their stories, and provide a space where their legacies can be remembered. I hope that those who visit it can also contribute, whether by lighting a candle, paying tribute, or sharing about their loved ones.
Mijal Nevo