Casa Shalom
Institute for Marrano-Anusim Studies

Casa Shalom - Report 1996-97

I am very happy to have the opportunity to give this resume to our greatly valued members. It is now one year since we started as an official Foundation, and to receive the badly needed support from people like yourselves.

THIS RESPONSE WILL ENABLE OUR WORK TO CONTINUE

There has been numerous reports across the world about our researches and endeavours, and as more people and organizations mention our existence on Websites,so our postbag and Database expands! We also receive a growing number of Genealogy enquiries. We are not yet on INTERNET,but with the installation of our new Computer we expect this to come about shortly.

In March 1996 I embarked on my 8th USA tour in N/Jersey, for the 3rd. Holocaust Conf.at Rider University. My Paper on "The Conditions and Continuing Legacy of Walter Benjamin and Contemporaries Fleeing the Holocaust in the Balearic Isles" has already be en published. Off-prints are available from the Institute at a cost of 25.shequels/ $9./ 6. or equivalent currency. Post prices incl. Further lectures were given during this trip in N.Y.,and Miami,and we made a number of new members and contacts,as we ll as research,coupled with a stop-over in U.K. for my 4th. lecture at the London Yakar Institute. In July I attended the 3rd. Medieval Conf. at Leeds University, U.K.,reporting in my paper about the eight hitherto unknown documents I had found in a Majorca Convent in 1994, relating to Jews there in the 11th/12th./13th. centuries. Over 1000 papers are given at this Annual conference but only about twenty published. The Leeds Editorial Board , have already intimated to me that they would like to publis h my findings which are expected to appear in

From Leeds I journeyed to Holland to attend the Medieval Conf. sponsored by Utrecht University, where I was invited to present a Paper about the Jewish and Hebrew manuscripts of Ibiza /Formentera, illust rating how they showed that the Jews had continued there after 1492, protected by the Islanders until modern times.

In October I returned to the USA to lecture successfully in Georgia, before embarking on a four week return trip to the Balearics, which r esulted in being one of the most fruitful undertaken. From this visit not only was there contacts with more Marranos, but in addition found a great deal of important historical material, including

1) Why the Jews that fled from the Island of Majorca to Salonika were known and used the symbol of Ladrones.

2) Made a short film about the Jewish Quarter, (Juderia), of Ibiza, which was in use as such until this century.

3) Extensive use of local libraries for research.

4) Visiting government departments to express our deep concern at the rapid deterioration of the secret Formentera Synagogue , (early 17th. c.) and to speed up the long promised restoration of the 14th.c. Megilla Esther, which remains tied as book-ends to Wills and Testaments in a Notary's office in Ibiza. We are delighted to announce that within the last few weeks the local self Government has since, at our instigation, purchased the estate within which the Synagogue stands, deciding to restore the edifice as a Cultural Centre, giving a n undertaking that the area of Jewish interest (secret Synagogue) will be maintained. They have also announced a further step , which is possibly the ulltimate hurdle to the full restoration of the Megilla.

Here I would like to mention our deepest gratit ude to D.Antonio Tuells who gave us accommodation in Ibiza,and to the local Tourismo who loaned a car,as well as to the many who welcomed and assisted us so enthusiastically. Many pointed out that since our departure for Israel in 1988, they had been without a Seder, whilst since then we had found many others of Jewish origin, and received pleas to make a Pesech for them. Much as it is our dearest wish to comply with the earnest requests,our own resources will just not stand another trip. We have been kindly offered excellent accommodation by the Matutes Hotel company, and I can arrange to provide the necessary Passover Kosher food,by preparing the fruit / vegetables ourselves locally,and to fly the main course out , but without sponsorship of the necessary two airline tickets, to Spain, and some help with the cost of the food,the project will not be possible.

WE CRAVE YOUR SUPPORT Only by YOUR prompt action and membership can this worthwhile endeavour be possible,as early planning necessary.

During the year we have been delighted to welcome a constant stream of individual visitors from all over the world,as well as a number of groups.I would like to express special thanks to the Schalit and Davis Foundations who have done so much in helpi ng us to keep operational . I shall be on a research and lecture visit to the USA at the beginning of March with a stop-over in the U.K. I have been invited to address the Community of Providence Rhode Island, and the Fellows at Carter Brown University Li brary. This will be an opportunity to peruse the largest Sephardi Archives in the USA.

I am in need of at least two more lectures to cover the shortfall in my travel expenses for this trip, and would appreciate recommendations so that this important res earch opportunity, and gracious invitation is not refused. Please note I am at all times anxious that although our members are spread all over the world, we keep in contact, and in this respect would like to thank those who have in the past months bee n such a tower of strength during this primary period . For the few who have NOT been in touch lately, we trust all is well, and look forward to hearing from you soon? Remember, your ideas , suggestions ,and questions are always welcome. In the meantime, Leslie , our tireless Hon. Administrator, and our small band of local stalwart volunteers join me in sending warmest greetings.

Yours most sincerely,

     Gloria Mound
     Hon. Exc. Dir
     Hon. Research Fellow, Dept. Hispanics, University of Glasgow

Last updated: 29 Jan, 2007