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Samuel Pallache: A Moroccan Jew in Catholic and Protestant Europe

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Samuel Pallache was a Moroccan Jewish diplomat and adventurer who lived in the 17th century. He is best known for his travels throughout Europe, where he met with kings, queens, and popes, and for his attempts to establish a Jewish state in the New World.

A Man of Three Worlds: Samuel Pallache, a Moroccan Jew in Catholic and Protestant Europe

by Mercedes García-Arenal

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Language	:	English
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Pallache was born in Fez, Morocco, in 1614. His father was a wealthy merchant, and his mother was a descendant of a rabbinical family. Pallache received a traditional Jewish education, and he also studied Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese.

In 1636, Pallache traveled to Europe for the first time. He visited Spain, Portugal, France, and England, and he met with many influential people, including King Philip IV of Spain, King Louis XIV of France, and Oliver Cromwell of England.

Pallache was a skilled diplomat, and he was able to use his connections to help his fellow Jews. He negotiated the release of Jewish prisoners, he secured permission for Jews to build synagogues, and he helped to improve the lives of Jews in many ways.

Pallache was also a visionary, and he believed that the Jews could establish a new state in the New World. In 1656, he traveled to Brazil, where he met with the Dutch governor, Johan Maurits van Nassau. Pallache convinced van Nassau to grant the Jews a large tract of land in Suriname, where they could establish a Jewish colony.

The colony was named New Jerusalem, and it was the first Jewish colony in the Americas. However, the colony was not successful, and it was abandoned after a few years.

Pallache's dream of a Jewish state in the New World was never realized, but he remains an important figure in Jewish history. He was a skilled diplomat, a visionary, and a tireless advocate for his people.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Pallache was born in Fez, Morocco, in 1614. His father, Judah Pallache, was a wealthy merchant, and his mother, Rachel, was a descendant of a rabbinical family. Pallache received a traditional Jewish education, and he also studied Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Pallache showed an early talent for languages and diplomacy. At the age of 16, he was sent by his father to Lisbon, Portugal, to learn Portuguese and to establish business connections. Pallache quickly became fluent in Portuguese, and he soon established himself as a successful merchant.

In 1636, Pallache traveled to Spain, where he met with King Philip IV. Pallache was able to impress the king with his intelligence and his diplomatic skills. Philip IV granted Pallache permission to travel throughout Spain and to meet with other influential people.

Pallache spent the next several years traveling throughout Europe. He visited France, England, and the Netherlands, and he met with many important people, including King Louis XIV of France and Oliver Cromwell of England.

Diplomatic Missions

In 1655, Pallache was sent by the Moroccan sultan to the Dutch Republic as a diplomat. His mission was to negotiate a peace treaty between Morocco and the Netherlands. Pallache was successful in his mission, and he was able to secure a favorable treaty for Morocco.

Pallache's success in his diplomatic mission to the Netherlands made him a valuable asset to the Moroccan sultan. He was sent on several other diplomatic missions, including missions to Spain, Portugal, and England.

Attempts to Establish a Jewish State in the New World

In 1656, Pallache traveled to Brazil, where he met with the Dutch governor, Johan Maurits van Nassau. Pallache convinced van Nassau to grant the Jews a large tract of land in Suriname, where they could establish a Jewish colony.

The colony was named New Jerusalem, and it was the first Jewish colony in the Americas. However, the colony was not successful, and it was abandoned after a few years.

Later Life and Legacy

Pallache returned to Morocco in 1665. He continued to serve the Moroccan sultan as a diplomat, and he also played an important role in the Jewish community of Morocco.

Pallache died in Fez in 1680. He was buried in the Jewish cemetery in Fez, and his tomb is still a popular pilgrimage site.

Pallache is remembered as a skilled diplomat, a visionary, and a tireless advocate for his people. He was a pioneer in the movement for Jewish emancipation, and he helped to improve the lives of Jews in many ways.

Samuel Pallache was a remarkable figure in Jewish history. He was a skilled diplomat, a visionary, and a tireless advocate for his people. He traveled throughout Europe, where he met with kings, queens, and popes. He negotiated the release of Jewish prisoners, he secured permission for Jews to build synagogues, and he helped to improve the lives of Jews in many ways. He also attempted to establish a Jewish state in the New World, but his dream was never realized. Pallache remains an important figure in Jewish history, and his legacy continues to inspire Jews today.

Samuel Pallache, A Moroccan Jewish Diplomat And Adventurer Who Lived In The 17th Century A Man Of Three Worlds: Samuel Pallache A Moroccan Jew In Catholic And Protestant Europe