There was a Jewish presence on Majorca from 418 CE, but prior to and during the Spanish Inquisition the community were forced to convert to Christianity.
While only about 1,000 Jews live in Portugal today, some 26,000 people claiming Portuguese heritage have applied for citizenship.
Eighty percent of the cases were those of Jews, the most prosecuted minority in the Inquisition.
Almost two years on, it’s time to examine a much-talked-about law meant to right a historical wrong for exiled Sephardim and offer them Spanish citizenship.
Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar was granted honorary citizenship in recognition of his work with descendants of the Jews expelled from Spain during Spanish Inquisition
According to lobby founders, increasing numbers of descendants of Jews around the world have become interested in exploring their heritage, reconnecting with the Jewish people.
"The forced conversions of Jews which took place on the Iberian Peninsula from the 14th century onwards left an indelible mark on Jewish history."
The Inquisition and Expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula left an indelible mark on Jewish history, perhaps like no other event.
Although not as well known, the Portuguese version of the Inquisition was very similar to Spain's.
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