International Congress of Amercanists Discusses Columbus’ Jewish Origin

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The question of the Jewish origin of Columbus was one of the principal topics of discussion at the International Congress of Americanists which is being held here now.

The Congress of Americanists is attended by historians and scholars from all over the world, who are especially interested in the study of the history and characteristics of the various peoples of America.

The conviction that Columbus was of Jewish descent was expressed to the representative of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency by Professor Cortecan of the Lisbon University. In the course of his interview Prof. Cortecan declared that the researches of Spanish and Portuguese scholars, especially of Don Enrique Zais, showed that Columbus was born in Spain in the province of Galecia, and that he originated from the Crypto-Jews or Marranos. “That this is so on the basis of researches made so far, is practically certain.” Prof. Cortecan declared.

A number of Jewish scholars are participating in the Congress. Among them are Professors Almadzic of Rome, Levi of Florence, Davidson and Wiener of Harvard and Sternberg of Leningrad.