Lot 348
Two Letters Sent to Sir Moses Montefiore Following His Efforts During the Safi (Morocco) Blood Libel – Letter from the Rabbis of Safi and Letter from the Cochin Community
Two letters sent to Sir Moses Montefiore following his efforts on behalf of Moroccan Jewry, during the Safi blood libel:
• Letter from the rabbis of Safi, Morocco, to Moses Montefiore, regarding his involvement in the blood libel. Safi, Kislev [1863].
The letter is signed by two rabbis of Safi: R. Saadiah Benrebbouh and R. Yehuda Benmoyal.
The rabbis write to Montefiore that two Jews had already been executed before he intervened, and thank him for saving two additional Jews from a similar fate. They describe the persecution of Moroccan Jewry by the local population, and entreat him to continue lobbying on their behalf.
• Letter from the heads of the Cochin community, to Montefiore. Cochin (India), 1864.
Handwritten and signed by R. David Shem Tov Halegua, one of the leaders of Cochin Jewry, with the signatures of three other community leaders.
The leaders of the Cochin community praise Montefiore for his work on behalf the Jewish people, in particular his efforts that year for Moroccan Jewry.
In 1863-1864, two years after Morocco was conquered by Spain, the Moroccan Jewish community suffered terrible persecution and degradation. At the center of the events was the blood libel in Safi. A Spanish official fell ill and died within a few days. His Jewish servant, who was accused of poisoning him, was arrested together with his supposed accomplices. The servant was tortured until he confessed, and was brutally executed. Later, another prisoner was executed. Montefiore, who was 79 years old at the time, began working vigorously to rescue the other Jews from a similar fate. Apart from his intense activity through diplomatic channels, Montefiore travelled to Spain, where he met with the Queen of Spain and her husband, and secured their commitment to protect the Jews. As a result, all the Jewish prisoners were released, and the Jews were eventually granted equal rights.
Two letters. Approx. 23-26 cm. Overall good condition. Some stains. Folding marks and wear.
PLEASE NOTE: Item description was shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
