Jewish community in Portugal enjoys renaissance

Every Friday at the start of the Jewish Sabbath Porto's imposing synagogue positively buzzes with the sound of chatter - not just in Portuguese but also in English, French and Spanish.

It's in this unexpectedly animated atmosphere that the Jewish community in northern Portugal, wiped out in the 15th century, is currently undergoing a rebirth, welcoming Jews who feel threatened in Europe and elsewhere - some coming from as far as India.

"Anti-semitism is growing in Europe but Porto seems to be a safe haven. It's good to be a Jew here," said Sam Elijah, who heads a community that numbered only 20 four years ago.