Basel is located in the heart of Europe and spreads across both banks of the Rhine River. The city is strategically placed in the center of the border triangle of France, Germany and Switzerland, and is framed by the splendid landscape of the Swiss Jura Mountains, Germany’s Black Forest and the Vosges in Alsace. Basel is the cultural capital of Switzerland, a dynamic economic center, a city of art and ancient history – simply said a pocket-size cosmopolitan city.

Basel was deeply entwined in the history of Central Europe for the 800 years of its existence. Jewish life can be traced throughout this eventful history. It was marked by both good and bad, salvation and perdition which intersected the city’s and the community’s life. Switzerland is the only European country where an adult grandson can say about himself, he is using his grandfather’s seat in the synagogue – no other Central European country does have this continuity.