Traveling through some of the Northern Regions of Spain, areas that have either been empty or nearly empty of Jews for centuries. Searching for a trace… ANY trace of the history of our people, and turning up some lost gems… many have lost their lustre but can be polished again to a healthy shine:
- Zaragoza – no Jewish community, but traces of a “Juderia” or Jewish Neighborhood are still mentioned. I was not able to find any Jewish landmarks or artifacts on my short visit, but some possible sites are mentioned here: https://www.zaragoza.es/…/ver-hacer/servicio/monumento/13 https://www.elperiodicodearagon.com/…/vivian-judios…
- Oviedo – The only Jewish Community that has survived in this region….struggling mightily against incredible odds, they have managed to survive here since 1972 in a Province of Spain that has only 120 Jews, IN THE ENTIRE PROVINCE. Here is their website: https://sefarad-asturias.org/. I was honored to join them for a Friday Night Shabbat service and meal and am grateful for their courage and hospitality.
- La Coruña – No Jewish community here, but there is a “Calle Sinagoga” or “Synagogue Street” that still survives and recently has received some attention due to the discovery of a cistern that could have been a Mikveh. The building has been acquired by the local government and will undergo an investigation as to its origins. The attached pictures show 2 possible buildings that may have housed the Jewish Community, as well as a restaurant with some Jewish markings on the outside: Some related links: https://www.elespanol.com/…/los-judios-en-a-coruna-la… https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/…/0003_202105H22C7991.htm
I am struck by how thorough the Spanish Inquisition was in its purge of Spanish Jewry. Destroyed documents, converted landmarks, and of course, the expulsion of the Jews themselves, have almost extinguished the Jewish presence in this once VERY Jewish area of the world. ALMOST extinguished….but NOT QUITE…..
Proof that our Mission and our People have been declared INDESTRUCTIBLE by H-shem. Politicians make decrees and order our “destruction” but even if it takes 500 years, we WILL resurface….
Now traveling through southern Galicia en route to Madrid, where I will finish my trip….stay tuned for more discoveries 
Sam Bendayan
Sephardic U
Senior Foreign Correspondent
