
For centuries, the Jewish people prospered in the silk industry, as coral, gold and silver artisans, and in all kinds of commerce to the undeniable benefit of the city of Palermo and of all of Sicily, but in 1493 they were forced to leave as the Spanish King Ferdinand's edict from the previous year was enforced in all his territories in Southern Italy.
It was a terrible loss for the Sicilian people, as testified by a number of letters from the local government pleaing with the king to change his mind.
Today there are no longer any practicing Sicilian Jews on the island although quite a number of Sicilian families can trace their roots to Jewish ancestors.
Editor's Note: Jackie's tours, including Judaic Palermo, are described at www.palermoguide.net.
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