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Mexico has been a very
attractive alternative for immigrants from all latitudes, in search for freedom and better
living opportunities. |
| Since the Spanish Conquest of
Mexico in the sixteenth century jews arrived to these lands, but because of the presence
of the Spanish Inquisition, they were forced to practice their judaism in secrecy or
convert to the cristian faith, reasons why the blooming of a jewish community was not
possible. |
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Plaza santo
Domingo
with the Inquisition building
(right hand corner of the square).
Print of García Cubas. |
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Jewelry
"La Esmeralda". Owned by
Mr. Hauser and Mr. Zivy.
Photo ref. "Judíos de
Alepo en Mexico". |
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| The next period in
which there was a significant jewish presence not so much for the quantity but for their
impact, was during Profirio Diaz's presidency (1877-1911) who made an invitation to the
European immigration, making the arrival of jews, mainly of french descent, easier, and
thus making it an important step in Mexico's progress. However, only few were interested
in a formal jewish organization and therefore the majority returned to Europe or they
became assimilated to the Mexican population. |
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| It is this century's immigration
which forms the backbone of the present jewish community. It began its integration during
the first years with jews from Syria, Turkey and Greece primarily and grew during the
third decade with Eastern European Jews... |
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