Escape to Amsterdam: A Story Of Resilience and Survival

Amsterdam Gardens

As we slipped out of Seville’s harbor I was very nervous. It was a long trip to Amsterdam and we had to look like other merchant ships, so we were carrying cinnamon, a most sought after spice. The journey could take a month. I was praying that the winds would be favorable and we could get there sooner.

To avoid suspicion of fleeing Spain, I booked travel for my family and friends on other ships. Travelling light and looking like merchants would not be enough if the authorities investigated us.

If all went well, we would meet up in Amsterdam and start over, but this time as openly religious Jews.

About two weeks into our journey, the captain, our friend Daniel, also a fellow secret Jew [Marrano] came to me.

“Raphael, there seems to be a ship following us. It has been behind us for several leagues.” he said.

“Daniel, are you sure its following us? Maybe it’s a friendly ship?” I asked.

“No, in these waters I know every friendly ship. I don’t recognize their flag."

“Is it a pirate ship? Could we out run it?” I asked.

 “If it is a pirate ship, I don’t think we could out run it. We have way too much cargo... and I know what it means if we get caught. I have a plan. In the meantime, please get everyone ready in case we have to jump ship. I know of some safe islands nearby here. Everyone should gather their most precious possessions and don’t forget to pack up food." Daniel was worried.

I was terrified. Because we fled, getting caught meant being forced back to Spain as prisoners to face the death penalty for being Jews. Travelling on a merchant ship with women and children was suspicious enough to stop us. We prepared to leave. Our ship slowly turned and came close to an island. We sailed behind the island into a hidden part with tall trees on both sides that further blocked the view of our ship.

The captain came to me.

“Raphael, everyone must quietly get off the ship and hide. I have used this island more than once to do just this. There is a hidden cave not too far from here. Wait in the cave while I meet the ship and hopefully it won’t be pirates. I will show we are just a merchant ship. They might steal our cargo but we'll still be free and I’ll come back to get you later.” The captain said.

I didn’t like the sound of this at all. But what choice did I have?

I got everyone together and headed for the cave.

We got inside safely. Even though it was cold in the cave, I wouldn’t let anyone build a fire. Now all we could do was wait and pray. I sat down on a large stone and began praying quietly for our safety.

By now, it was late afternoon and it would be dark soon.

I heard voices! Someone was coming! I had everyone move deeper into the cave.

I snuck back up to the entrance and held a heavy stick in my hand. I was determined to defend everyone.

As the voices got closer I thought I recognized them.

Then I heard my name being called out.

“Raphael! Please come out!”

I looked in disbelief. It was my grandfather and captain Daniel.

“Grandpa? What are you doing here?  Didn’t I put you on a ship?” I asked.

“You did, but it had trouble so we switched to a different ship. We saw yours and we were trying to catch up.” he smiled.

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

We returned to our ships and finally arrived safely in Amsterdam, ready for a new life of religious freedom! I was in Amsterdam with all of my family, and a ship load of cinnamon, which could give us a start in a new community. But we knew no one. As a Jew, I set out to find the Parnass [the elected leader of the community and the “fixer”]

I headed 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?”

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?”

“I’ll be honest with you. We 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."

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

Next: The Aftermath