Concept in Definition ABC

This word comes from the Greek and literally means dispersion. In the history of the Jewish people the concept of diaspora is used to refer to the voluntary disintegration of the Jewish people in the third century BC. C during the Roman period, when for demographic reasons they decided to move to other territories, such as Carthage, Egypt, Libya or the Persian Empire.

It should be noted that the idea of ​​diaspora should not be confused with a very similar one, galut. While the galut is the forced exile of the Jews throughout its history, the diaspora alludes to the process of geographical dispersion.

It is, therefore, two similar circumstances and for this reason the word diaspora is the most used to refer to both phenomena.

The concept of diaspora is related to the Jews who lived beyond the territory of Jerusalem

In ancient times, Jews were divided into two groups: those who lived in Jerusalem and practiced their religion with traditional criteria, and those who were integrated into other cultures. The latter normally spoke several languages ​​and were educated people who were engaged in trade or a recognized professional activity. Diaspora Jews kept their religious rituals in synagogues.

On the other hand, they helped financially their Jewish brothers who lived in Jerusalem. At that time, the Romans maintained a certain tolerance towards the beliefs and culture of the Jews of the diaspora. In this sense, the Roman Senate authorized the different Jewish communities so that they could maintain their internal organizational structure in the different synagogues. Therefore, the Jews of the diaspora could practice their rites without entering conflict with the authority Roman.

The expulsion of the Jews from Spain in the 15th century is one of the best-known episodes of the diaspora

In 1492, Spanish or Sephardic Jews who did not want to convert to Christianity were expelled from the country. The Catholic Monarchs were the ones who issued the order of their expulsion, but the one who really promoted it was the Tribunal of the Holy Job of the Inquisition.

There are several reasons that explain this fact: the imposition of religious unity in Spain, the confiscation of the goods of the Jews to increase the state coffers and the rejection of a part of society towards the population bean. In any case, his expulsion produced a new diaspora. The expelled Hebrews dispersed into very different territories: North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, the Netherlands and Latin America.

Many of the Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin who had to emigrate kept their traditions and beliefs. In fact, after more than 500 years the Sephardic or Judeo-Spanish language is still spoken in some parts of Israel, Turkey and other Mediterranean territories. In recent years, the Spanish state has granted Spanish nationality to all Sephardim who have applied for it. With the granting of Spanish nationality, they want to repair the injustice history that was committed against the Jews in the 15th century.

Currently, the state of Israel has a ministry of Diaspora Affairs

Is institution promotes Hebraic traditions in all Jewish communities throughout the world. This initiative aims to strengthen the identity of the Jewish people.

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