Crypto-Jews and Portuguese in Portugal Some cyber-Goans are wondering why 'Amchem tempar' (16 century) the crypto-Jews were perceived as a security threat in Portugal and Spain. The Jews were considered to be allies of the Muslims - Moors and later the Ottoman Empire, during and after the Moors ruled Spain and Portugal.
These "disloyalty rationale" were the same reasons Catholics of the Konkan were perceived a security threat (and slaughtered) by Tippu Sultan of Mysore. By the same rational, Israelis perceive Israeli Arabs to be security risk. And the same reason in World War II, the USA perceived the US-Japanese to be a security threat and likewise today perceives the American-Muslims to be security risks (rightly or wrongly). History repeats itself (in different variations) in all parts of the world. For crypto-Jews to come to Goa in 1535-1560, to escape their prosecution in Spain and Portugal, when the Portuguese colony (Goa) was surrounded by Muslim kingdoms - Moguls and southern Sultanates etc. was not the wisest thing to do. This is an explanation of history not a justification of it. But have the various civilizations and groups learnt from history? Apparently not! So the crypto-Jews "Inquisition for Heresy and Blasphemy in Goa" had little to do with Catholic religion but a lot to do with military assessment. Regards, Gilbert ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
