Spain

CONNECT WITH SPANISH JEWISH HISTORY!

The Spanish Jewish community dates back to the Roman period. As early as the 7th century, the Jews of Spain were forced to convert to Christianity, though many continued to practice Judaism in secret. Under Moorish rule, Jews were protected and achieved high ranking positions in society as doctors, financiers, and government advisors. When King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella united Spain, they instituted the Inquisition in which thousands of Jews were forced to convert or were expelled. Over the years that followed, Jew who converted but continued to practice Judaism in secret were tortured or executed.

Jews were allowed to settle in Spain during the 19th century when a constitutional monarchy was established. Though communities were established in Madrid and Barcelona, they remained small and anti-Semitic beliefs remained common among Spaniards. In 2015, the Spanish government invited descendents of Spanish Jews to apply for citizenship and several thousand Jews have done so, though most have not moved to Spain.

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