Gabon
In the lush forests of Central Africa, near the Cameroonian border, a small but passionate Jewish community is growing against all odds. Led by Pascal Meka Ngomo, a former evangelical preacher turned Jewish spiritual leader, this group represents a unique and powerful expression of religious transformation. Pascal’s journey began with a dream that urged him to abandon “the false god” and instead worship the God of Israel. The choice came at great personal cost—he lost his business, his social standing, and was ostracized by his community. But from that loss, something profound was born: a spark of Judaism in Gabon.
Since 2014, Kulanu has supported this emerging community, which includes members in the towns of Oyem and Bitam. Though still early in their journey, the Gabonese Jews have embraced key Jewish practices, such as observing Shabbat on Saturday, refraining from eating pork, and incorporating Hebrew prayers into their services. Women play central roles in the community, often leading prayer in Pascal’s absence. Through educational support, mentorship from other African Jewish leaders, and direct engagement from Kulanu, this fledgling community is gradually building the foundations of Jewish life in Gabon.
Location
Oyem and Bitam
Denomination
Developing Judaism
Community size
30–50 (Emerging Community)
Languages
French and local dialects
Kulanu Support Since
2014
Discover Gabon
A Faith Rekindled Through Dreams and Sacrifice
The Jewish journey of Gabon’s community began with a spiritual awakening. Pascal Meka Ngomo, once a respected evangelical pastor, experienced a powerful dream instructing him to follow the God of Israel. He acted on that vision, transforming his life overnight: changing his day of worship to Saturday, leaving behind non-kosher practices, and distancing himself from Christian doctrine. The costs were immediate and painful—he was rejected by his religious network and lost his business. But Pascal held firm, slowly attracting others who were curious, seeking, or also feeling the call of Jewish faith. His story reflects the courage and conviction that often defines isolated Jewish communities rediscovering ancient truths in modern times.
A Budding Community in Oyem and Bitam
Though small, Gabon’s Jewish community is deeply committed. They gather in Oyem and Bitam, where Pascal leads prayers and study when he is present, and women confidently take over when he is not. They’ve moved their Sabbath observance from Sunday to Saturday and begun learning about kashrut and other mitzvot. Services are heartfelt, even if formal knowledge is still growing. The group has embraced Hebrew prayer, and even installed what is believed to be Gabon’s first mezuzah. Their sincerity and openness have created a strong foundation on which Jewish life is steadily taking root. Their practices blend grassroots fervor with emerging structure, nurtured by connection to broader African Jewish networks.
Kulanu’s Presence and Pan-African Partnerships
Kulanu’s involvement began with a visit by Rabbis Bonita and Gerald Sussman in 2014. They taught the community to recite the Shema, introduced Jewish ritual items, and symbolically hung the first mezuzah on a home in Oyem. Kulanu also facilitated connections with Serge Etele, a Jewish leader from Cameroon, who has since visited Gabon multiple times to guide Pascal’s group in Torah learning, Hebrew, and Jewish practice. These visits have built bridges not just between countries, but between shared journeys of faith and rediscovery. Kulanu’s support continues to affirm this community’s place in the global Jewish family—one mezuzah, one prayer, one Shabbat at a time.