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Origin and history

The synagogue of Arcachon, located 36 Gambetta Avenue, was built between 1877 and 1879 thanks to the funding of Daniel Iffla, an eccentric Bordeaux patron named Osiris. This banker and industrialist, known for his philanthropic actions, offers the building to the Israelite Regional Consistory of Bordeaux, affiliated with the Israelite Central Consistory of France. The inauguration took place on December 21, 1879, on the occasion of the marriage of her niece, the singer Emma Moyse, with Sigismund Bardac. The location, strategically chosen on the street linking the Thiers Pier to the station, reflects its importance in local Jewish community life.

The architecture, entrusted to Stanislas Ferrand, is inspired by the classic synagogal style of the 19th century. The interior, marked by a central tebah (sefarate tradition), features a arch in full hanger decorated with Tuscan eclectic capitals and besants. The façade features Law Tables engraved with the initials "R.F." (French Republic), affirming support for the regime of the Third Republic, as well as a biblical inscription: "You will love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19, 18), an ecumenical nod to the Christian community. In 1895, Osiris also built the nearby Villa Alexandre-Dumas, strengthening its footprint on the City of Winter.

During the Second World War, the synagogue witnessed the raid of January 10, 1944, organized by Maurice Papon: 12 Arcachonese Jews were arrested, deported via Drancy to Nazi extermination camps, where they perished. After the war, the building, registered as a historical monument in 2004, was renovated in 2011. Since 2012, rabbi Eric-Meyer Aziza, engaged in interreligious dialogue, has been involved. Religious services are held throughout the year, perpetuating its central role in local Jewish life.

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