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Shavei representatives in Palma de Mallorca
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From Jerusalem to Palma de Mallorca
An historic condemnation of the atrocities perpetrated against Bnei Anousim
It's taken over 300 years but, for the first time in history, a Spanish regional government has condemned the atrocities perpetrated by the Inquisition against Bnei Anousim (Jews who were compelled to convert to Catholicism and whom historians refer to by the derogatory term Marranos).
This unprecedented event, which took place in the Spanish city of Palma de Mallorca last month, came as the result of a meeting earlier this year between Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund and a top aide to Frances Antich Oliver, president of Spain's Balearic Islands. At the meeting, which was also attended by Rabbi Yossi Wallis, head of the Arachim organization, Freund asked Oliver to hold a public ceremony and express regret for the dark chapters of the past; the president acceded to the request.
It was agreed to hold the event on May 6 to mark the 320th anniversary of the Auto-da-Fe in 1691, when 37 Chuetas, as the Bnei Anousim of Mallorca are known, were put to death for secretly practicing Judaism.
The ceremony was held at the baroque Consolat de lar Mar in Palma before a packed audience of locals and journalists. In his remarks, President Oliver denounced the crimes of the Inquisition and called them "our worst sin. It horrifies us, but we must always remember it so that it never occurs again."
Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund told those present, "The Chuetas are part of the extended Jewish family, and the bonds of family can never be broken. We cannot turn the clock back on the past. We cannot change what happened centuries ago. But we can change the present. And I believe that we have a historical responsibility to do so - to reach out to the Chuetas and other descendants of the victims of the Inquisition, and to facilitate their return."
Read the full story.
See our photo album with pictures of the event.
Read more press coverage from Palma de Mallorca.
Through sustained lobbying, Shavei Israel aims to push other Spanish regional authorities, as well as the national government, to hold similar ceremonies. We need your help to continue our important work in Spain. Please consider a contribution earmarked for our activities in Palma de Mallorca and beyond, to support our emissaries and facilitate new discussions with the governments there, by visiting the Support page.
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