Letter to Montefiore from the rabbis of Safi following the blood libel against the Jews of Morocco. Safi , 1863.
Specifications: [1] leaf, paper. 18×23 cm
Background: In 1864, the Jews of Morocco were in grave danger due to an accusation that the Jews of the city Safi poisoned a Spanish customs official. Four Jews were arrested, and the Deputy Consul of Spain demanded their execution. Two were indeed executed, and Sir Montefiore succeeded in releasing the remaining two. Montefiore met with the Sultan, and managed to obtain his promise to grant rights and ensure the well being of the Moroccan Jews.
See also: Eliezer Bashan, Moses Montefiore and the Jews of Morocco, According to New Documentation from 1845-1885, Jerusalem, 2009. In this book, Bashan publicized documents from the archives of the British Foreign Ministry, however, he was not privy to the letter before us.
Unique Features: Impressive letter dated Kislev, 5764 [Nov. 1863], signed by Safi’s rabbi, Rabbi Saadia ben Raboach [for more about him, refer to Malchei Rabbanan, p. 100a], and Rabbi Yehudah ben Moyal [ibid. p. 52a]. In their letter, the rabbis of Safi mention Sir Montefiore’s rescue of the two Jews. They implore him to advocate for the impartial defense of the Jews’ rights in the courts, since false witnesses were purposely brought against them to construe the story at will, as a result of which two innocent Jews died. They also ask him to intercede on behalf of Maurvikos’ Jews, who were forced to work on Shabbat and holidays.
Condition: Very fine.