“The 2,000 Kidnapped Spanish Jewish Children” – A Forgotten Tragedy Brought to Light Through Historic Collaboration

“The 2,000 Kidnapped Spanish Jewish Children” – A Forgotten Tragedy Brought to Light Through Historic Collaboration

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant collaboration aimed at preserving and sharing Jewish history, two leading Iberian organizations—the Fundación HispanoJudía in Madrid and the Oporto Jewish Community—have announced a partnership to produce a powerful documentary titled “The 2,000 Kidnapped Spanish Jewish Children.” According to the European Jewish Press, this poignant film is set for release in May and will recount one of the darkest chapters in Jewish history.

The documentary focuses on the often-overlooked tragedy that followed the Edict of Expulsion of 1492, issued by Spain’s Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. As the European Jewish Press reports, thousands of Jewish families fled to Portugal, hoping to escape persecution and start anew. However, their hopes were crushed by Portuguese King Dom João II, who demanded exorbitant tribute payments and imposed cruel legal residency requirements. Those who could not pay were subjected to unimaginable punishments, the most devastating being the forced kidnapping of their young children, aged up to eight years old.

According to the European Jewish Press, this project aims not only to tell a long-overlooked story but also to honor the resilience and survival of a people subjected to one of the most devastating chapters in Jewish history.

 Tragic Voyage to São Tomé

The report in The European Jewish Press recounted how families who could not afford the king’s extortionate fees were punished with one of the most devastating acts of cruelty imaginable: the abduction of their children, aged up to eight years old. These young victims were forcibly taken from their parents and sent on an arduous journey to the island of São Tomé, located 7,500 kilometers from Portugal in the Gulf of Guinea. The voyage was perilous, with many children succumbing to disease, and the harsh conditions of the Atlantic crossing. Those who survived faced further hardship and exploitation upon arrival.

São Tomé became synonymous with suffering in the collective memory of the Jewish people. The island was dubbed the “Island of Lizards” due to widespread accounts of enormous reptiles that were said to devour people alive. Beyond the fearsome creatures, the island’s unforgiving tropical climate posed a significant threat. High fevers, disease, and malnutrition claimed many lives, and the harsh environment made survival a daily battle.

Historical chroniclers, including Isaac Abravanel, Samuel Usque, and Shlomo Ibn Verga, documented the tragedy, but over time, the memory of these children faded from public consciousness. The European Jewish Press report highlighted one particularly haunting account: as King Dom João II lay dying, feverish and delirious, he reportedly cried out, “Get those children out of there!” Whether these words were an expression of guilt or divine reckoning, they remain etched in historical accounts as a grim acknowledgment of his cruelty.

Despite the unimaginable hardships, some of the kidnapped children survived. Over time, São Tomé transformed into an island of prosperity, known for its sugar, wine, meat, and cheese production. Yet, for those who endured the early years of forced exile, the horrors remained deeply embedded in their memories, passed down through generations.

David Hatchwell Altaras, President of the Fundación HispanoJudía, told the European Jewish Press, “This film brings to light one of the most devastating moments in Jewish history, when our people were kidnapped by enemies, and many never made it home.” Hatchwell Altaras emphasized the importance of understanding this tragedy, not just as a historical event, but as a lens through which to view the recurring persecution and suffering of Jewish communities worldwide.

Echoes of the Past in Today’s World

The European Jewish Press report highlighted how the release of this documentary resonates deeply in the current global context. Hatchwell Altaras noted the painful parallels between the 15th-century tragedy and contemporary events, specifically referencing the hostages taken on October 7, 2023. He expressed hope that the film will not only honor the memory of the kidnapped children of 1492 but also serve as a tribute to modern-day victims and their families.

“Sadly, we are witnessing a tragic repetition of history as the global Jewish community once again finds itself rallying for our kidnapped people. We hope this film, dedicated to the ongoing efforts to free our captives, highlights the importance of understanding our history to better navigate current events,” said Hatchwell Altaras in an interview with the European Jewish Press.

Preserving Memory, Ensuring Awareness

As part of their efforts to preserve and share this tragic history, the Jewish Community of Oporto has gifted the Jewish Museum of Madrid a replica of the hold and deck of one of the ships used to transport the kidnapped children to São Tomé. According to the report in The European Jewish Press, this replica was created specifically for the documentary’s production and serves as both a historical artifact and a visceral reminder of the suffering endured by these children.

This collaboration between the Fundación HispanoJudía and the Jewish Community of Oporto is not merely about documenting the past—it is about connecting it to the present. As reported by the European Jewish Press, the documentary will also serve as a tribute to modern-day victims of kidnapping, particularly those taken hostage on October 7, 2023. By drawing parallels between historical injustices and contemporary tragedies, the filmmakers hope to underscore the timeless importance of resilience, remembrance, and justice.

Michael Rothwell, Director of the Jewish and Holocaust Museums of Oporto, also spoke to the European Jewish Press about the documentary’s importance. He emphasized the role of Jewish leaders in documenting and sharing historical tragedies, particularly during moments of reflection and celebration like Chanukah.

“Especially during the celebration of Chanukah, we are reminded of our responsibility as Jewish leaders to document and share our history. We are a people with a long memory, and it is essential that we learn from our past,” Rothwell stated. He emphasized that the Jewish people are a “people with a long memory,” and this documentary serves as both a testament and a tool for education.

His words call attention to a deep cultural and historical responsibility to ensure that stories like that of the kidnapped children are never forgotten.

An Accessible Educational Tool

One of the most significant aspects of this project, according to the European Jewish Press, is its accessibility. The documentary will be made available online for free, ensuring that its message reaches as wide an audience as possible. In doing so, the Fundación HispanoJudía and the Jewish Community of Oporto hope to not only educate viewers about a forgotten chapter of Jewish history but also foster a deeper understanding of the recurring patterns of persecution and survival.

A Testament to Resilience

The story of the 2,000 kidnapped Spanish Jewish children is one of unimaginable suffering, but also of enduring resilience. Through this documentary, as highlighted by the European Jewish Press, the collaboration between the Fundación HispanoJudía and the Jewish Community of Oporto seeks to ensure that the voices of these children are finally heard, their suffering acknowledged, and their memory preserved.

In telling this story, the filmmakers hope to bridge the past and the present, urging viewers to recognize the importance of historical awareness in preventing future atrocities. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder that history, when forgotten, risks repeating itself—but when remembered, can serve as a guide toward justice, compassion, and collective resilience.