Why are Moroccan Jews Eligible for a European Passport
Why are Moroccan Jews Eligible for a European Passport? Moroccan Jewry, as a group, is eligible to apply for a Portuguese passport. This article clarifies said eligibility based on a historical view as well as a legal perspective.
Our law office specializes in obtaining Portuguese passports for Moroccan Jews as well as other descendants of expelled Jews around the world. In case you belong to the mentioned diaspora, most probably you are eligible to a Portuguese Citizenship and our office can help you obtain a European passport.
The Alhambra Decree – Historical Background
In the summer of 1492, 150,000 Jews were forcefully expelled from their homeland in Spain. The Spanish Christian army had just completed its “re-conquest” of the entire Iberian Peninsula, and the Spanish Monarchs – King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella – were fearful of betrayals and uprisings from religious minorities. As a result, they decided to expel all the non-Christian citizens from Spain.
At the time, Jews were experiencing what is now known as the first Jewish Golden Age in the Diaspora. From this time of prosperity and innovation, they were suddenly thrown into chaos, and given only 4 months to leave the country. The Catholic authorities prohibited them from taking their belongings, money, or anything of value, such as gold or silver, with them. Around 70,000 Jews immigrated next-door, to the far more welcoming Portugal.
Unfortunately, only five years later in 1497, the King of Portugal, Manuel the First, caving to the pressure of the Spanish Monarchy, caving to the pressure of the Spanish Monarchy, also decided to expel the Jews. Once again, 100,000 Jews were forced to find new homes, leaving Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula, their descendants gaining the right to return only 400 years later.
Arrival in Morocco – Why Moroccan Jews are Eligible for a European Passport
To this day, we do not know the exact number of Jewish expellees who settled in Morocco. However, estimations range between 20,000 to 80,000 Jews. No matter how many they were, their acclimatization was astounding. Just two years after their arrival in Morocco, the Sephardic tradition, which they had brought with them, was the dominant tradition across all of Moroccan Jewry.
Approximately 50 years later, they were fully integrated with the local Moroccan Jewish community across the country, having intermarried with them. From Tangier, through Fes, Meknes, Tetouan, and all the way to Casablanca, the intermarriage process continued through the centuries and made Moroccan Jewry the largest Sephardic Jewish Diaspora.
For centuries, this Jewish community preserved their unique traditions, brought with them directly from Spain. For example, traditional Moroccan-Jewish wedding gowns, with their golden coil decorations, are remnants of the renaissance period in Spain. Furthermore, many surnames such as Biton, Lachiani, Malka, Ohana, Abuav and more, are originally from Spain.
In Conclusion
This historical integration is the reason that the vast majority of Moroccan Jews today are eligible to apply for a European Portuguese passport. The Portuguese gates are open to Moroccan Jewry.
Contact us – Why Moroccan Jews are Eligible for a European Portuguese Passport
Contact us if you think you may be eligible through your lineage, or if you just want to learn more. We recommend you consult an experienced lawyer who can advise you of the Portuguese regulations, and help guide you through your application process in a professional manner. Our office specializes in this matter, and we would be more than happy to assist you.
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