(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
Plans to facilitate the reentry into the Jewish faith of the Marranos, the Crypto Jews of Portugal, victims of the Inquisition, took definite shape here yesterday.
An international committee for the purpose of assisting in this plan was formed here as a result of a meeting which took place this week with the participation of representatives of the Spanish-Portuguese Congregation of London and the Anglo-Jewish Association.
A budget of #163;5,000 immediately and another #163;5,000 over the period of the next five years was adopted by the committee. The committee decided to issue an appeal to the Sephardic congregations in European countries and in the United States of America, as well as to other Jewish bodies, to delegate representatives to the Committee on Marranos.
According to plans which were formulated, it will be the task of the committee to provide the Marrano population of Portugal with facilities to return to Judaism under the guidance of an authorized rabbi, to establish a synagogue, burial ground and reading room in Oporto, Portugal. According to the plans, the committee will also provide other cultural facilities for the Marranos.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.