It has been estimated that the number of Jews in Nicaragua reached a peak of 250 in 1972. However, that same year a devastating earthquake hit Managua and destroyed 90% of the city, prompting many Jews to emigrate. In 1975 there were 200 Jews in Nicaragua. The Congregacion Israelita de Nicaragua was the central Jewish organization until 1979. The community maintained a synagogue and social center in Managua, as well as a B'nai B'rith lodge and a Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) chapter. During street warfare between Somozistas and Sandinistas, a Molotov cocktail struck the door of the synagogue but caused little damage.