Spotlight on Bnei Anousim of Antwerp in “Israel Hayom” article
Recently “Israel Hayom” published an interesting article reviewing the history of the Jews of Antwerp, Belgium; among other facts, were the Bnei Anousim (‘Conversos’) were mentioned including their important role in the community and city life.
“In Antwerp there are about one million inhabitants, and the largest Jewish community in the country, about 15,000 people. The first Jewish immigrants arrived in the city at the beginning of the 16th century, when it was established as a trade center for spices from Portugal. Among the merchants were many Marranos who had fled the Inquisition.
Three museums in the city are responsible for preserving the history of the Jewish community and its importance to the city’s economy. Among the Marrano Jews were the Duartes, who were considered art patrons and commissioned paintings from Rubens and other artists, and even created their own original music. The restoration of their living room and various musical instruments can be seen at the Snijder & Rockox Museum.The Red Star Museum, which tells the history of immigration to Belgium, dedicates a respectable place to the Jews of the city, and the Diamond Museum, which opened only in recent weeks, tells about the history of the diamond industry in Antwerp in particular and in the world in general.”
For the full article go here.