Journalists turn to Shavei Israel for background on Spanish law
Journalists looking for background on a new law passed last week in Spain granting the right of citizenship to Bnei Anousim – descendants of people who were forced to convert to Catholicism 500 years ago – have turned to Shavei Israel. Three articles appearing in The Jerusalem Post and JTA quote Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund on the new Spanish legislation, an attempt to rectify the draconian and often murderous decrees of the Inquisition beginning in 1492.
In this article in The Jerusalem Post, Freund says the move in Spain should inspire the Israeli government in its connection to Bnei Anouim. “I think that the decision by Spain should be a wake up call for the Israeli government to embark on a new strategic approach and to reach out to Bnei Anousim. A growing number of [them] are looking to strengthen their Jewish identity and reclaim their Jewish roots and return to our people. It is vital that Israel take steps to strengthen their connection.”
In the JTA piece, Freund called on the Israeli government “to follow the Iberian example recognize the Sephardic descendants of Iberian Jewry.”
In the second article appearing in The Jerusalem Post, Freund compares the Spanish law with one passed earlier in Portugal, which he called more “user friendly.” (In order to receive Spanish citizenship, Bnei Anousim must demonstrate a working knowledge of Spanish or its Hebrew derivative Ladino, as well as show familiarity with Spain’s culture and constitutional system. The Portuguese law does not include those stipulations.)
Nevertheless, Freund says, “Such a move should be commended. It is refreshing to see European states making an effort to welcome Jews so openly. This will hopefully send a strong signal to other countries on the continent and underline how Europe’s historical connection with the Jewish people truly does stretch back over the centuries.”