The cultivation and exportation of sugar cane made Barbados an extremely wealthy country, and with over 500 windmills, mass production ensured continuous growth. This was all made possible by the Jewish community in Barbados, who immigrated to Barbados as they sought refuge from religious persecution in Europe and Brazil. Visit the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and the adjacent Nidhe Israel Museum, which documents the fascinating story of the Barbados Jewish community while paying homage to its role in Barbadian heritage and society. At the museum, you can find a timeline chronicling the Jewish settlement, their role in the sugar industry, see historic artefacts and view interactive displays, which are designed to provide a more realistic and detailed experience.Since 2011, the Synagogue has been designated as a UNESCO protected property within the World Heritage Site of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.