JACOB JR, MY JEWISH WORLD. THE POGROM IN LISBON, APRIL 19, 1506.

Sunday, Iyar 4, 5777. April 30, 2017.

Shalom! World. 

The 1506 Lisbon pogrom (massacre) was a massacre of converted Jews that took place in Lisbon/Portugal in the spring of 1506. Because the victims were Marranos or Conversos (converted Jews) and were not Jewish by religion, it was somewhat unique among incidents of anti-semitic violence. Marranos often died at the hands of  the inquisition. Mob violence against them was less frequente. It is also known as the Easter Massacre.

The Jews had been forcibly converted to avoid expulsion. They had reached Portugal after beeing expelled from Spain. Between 2,000 and 4,000 "New Christians" (also called Marranos or Conversos), Portuguese Jews who had been forcible converted to catholicism by order of King Manuel about 10 years before, were massacred by a mob incited by Dominican friars. In 1506, a plague that lasted for several months aroused suspicion that it was "punishment" for secret Judaizing of  conversos. On April 17, 1506, several conversos ("Marranos") were discovered with "some lambs and poultry prepared according to Jewish custom; also unleavened bread and bitter herbs according to the regulations for the Passover, which festival they celebrated far into  the night." Officials seized several, but released them after a few days. The populacee was disappointed. On the same day, Aprill 19,  on which Marranos were  liberated, the Dominicans displayed a crucifix and a reliquary in glass with an odd radiance in their church. A converso who suggested unwisely that this miracle might be due to natural causes, was dragged from the church and was killed by an infuriated woman. Dominicans roused the populace. Two Dominicans friars, crucifix in hand, went through the streets of the city, crying "Heresy!" and calling upon the people to destroy the Marranos. All Neo-Christians found in the streets were killed; and a terrible massacre ensued.

More than 500 Marranos were slamin and burned on the first day; and the scenes of murder were even more atrocious on the day following. The innocent victims of popular fury, Young and old, living and dead, were dragged from their houses and thrown upon the pyre. Even Christians who in any way resembled Marranos or had dealings with them were killed. Among the last victims, and most hated of all, was the tax-farmer João  Rodrigo Mascarenhas, one of the wealthiest and most distinguished Marranos of Lisbon; his house was enirely demolished. At least 2,000 Marranos were murdered within two days. King Manuel severely the rioters. The ringleaders were either hanged or quatered, and the Dominicians who had occasioned the riot were garroted and burned. All persons convicted of murder or pillage suffered corporal punishment. Their property was confiscated, while religious freedom was granted to all Marranos for twenty years.

Shalom! Aleichem.

Suporte cultural:  Jacob Jr. B.A.C.E., avec L'Integration d'Association avec Israel et dans le Monde/Cz