Escape to Amsterdam: A Story Of Resilience and Survival

Amsterdam Gardens

“Thank G-d it was you! Now we can continue on to Amsterdam together.” I said.

We all went back on the ships and arrived safely in Amsterdam, to a new life of religious freedom! I was in Amsterdam with all of my family, a ship load of cinnamon, but as a jew, I had to find the Parnass (the elected leader of the community “fixer?”)

So I decided to go to the Spanish synagogue. Wow! A beautiful synagogue not destroyed by the Inquisition.

As I stood there alone someone taps my shoulder.

“Cinnamon? Is that really you?” Asked a voice.

I turned around and was faced to face with my childhood friend Manuel.

“Manuel! Oh How I missed you! How did you know it was me?” I asked, as I hugged him.

“Simple. Your clothes smell like cinnamon. Just like when we were kids.

What brings you to Amsterdam? Do you have a place to stay?” He asked.

“I’ll be honest with you. I just escaped the Inquisition. I have a boat load of spices, mostly cinnamon, and all of my family and some friends with me. I’m thankful that I made it out others were not so fortunate. I was searching for the Parnass because I have no place to stay and no business yet here.” I said.

Manuel chuckled ”Well, I’m not the Parnass, but I have plenty of places for you and your family and friends to stay, we are so thankful that you’re ok. And I know plenty of business men who would like to get a hold of some good cinnamon.” He answered.

I smiled. Thank God we were ok and now we could openly be Jews again.