Sephardic Bnei Anusim

The Prophet Obadiah prophesied that one day Jews who are in the Sepharad will not only return to the land of Israel, but settle in the land of the Negev. In Hebrew, Spain (ספרד) is called Sefarad. It is believed that the Jews of the Sepharad who are returning to Israel in the last days, are those of the Sephardic Bnei Anusim. Sephardic Jews (Sephardi/Sephardim) are Jews who are mostly from Iberian Peninsula (Spain/Portugal). After their expulsion from Spain and Portugal in 1492, Sephardic Jews settled in many places throughout Europe as well as North and South America. During the Spanish Inquisition, which spread throughout Spain and Portugal, eventually made its way to Mexico, resulting in many Sephardic Jews, settling in the southern parts of the United States - states such as New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. However, the majority of these Sephardic Jews practiced their Judaism in secret, because they had been forcefully converted to Catholicism during both the Spanish and Mexican Inquisition(s). These Sephardic Jews, who had been forcefully converted, were called “Conversos” (Converts) as well as derogatorily called “marranos” (swine). However, within Judaism, they are known as “Bnei Anusim,” which means “Children of the Forced Ones/Coerced.”   

Bnei Anusim are descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition in both Spain and Portugal. Although, they were forcibly converted to Catholicism many among Bnei Anusim continued to practice their Judaism in secret. Those who were discovered suffered persecution, oppression and even death at the hands of the Catholic inquisitors, which was sanctioned by the rulers of both Spain and Portugal at that time. Yet, in spite of all the persecution, and even in the face of death, many Jews continued to secretly cling on to their Jewish identity.​​​ As a result, these Jews have also become known as “Crypto-Jews,” because, they have remained “hidden” within Catholicism as well as Protestant Christianity. Over time, many among Bnei Anusim not only hid their Jewish heritage and Judaism, but no longer practiced, spoke about, passed on or revealed the truth of their identity to their descendants. This was mostly done out of fear of any further persecution that they believed may occur as history has a way of repeating itself. Especially, for the Jewish people. However, many Latinos are now starting to discover and embrace their Jewish heritage and identity. This is happening with both Messianic Judaism and Rabbinic Judaism. 

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In the Scriptures, the prophets prophesied of a time when the Sephardic Anusim would once again rediscover their identity. Over the centuries (and most commonly in recent times) Latinos from all over the world, including the Iberian Peninsula have been returning to their Jewish heritage. In some studies, it is estimated to be in the millions. Currently, it is also estimated that up to 20% of modern-day Spaniards and 10% of persons from the Iberian Peninsula that now reside in Latin America have Sephardic Jewish heritage. The number of Latinos with Sephardic Jewish heritage could now be as high as 50 million. This is a prophetically significant number, especially because the Bible tells us that before the return of the Messiah, Adonai will begin to gather all of His people from the four corners of the earth. As it is written: "He will lift up a banner for the nations, and assemble the dispersed of Israel, and gather the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth” - Isaiah 11:12.

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The prophetic phenomenon that it is occurring among the Latino population across the world regarding the return to their Jewish heritage and the reclaiming of their Jewish identity is not coincidence. It is a prophetic fulfillment that is happening before our very eyes that must occur before the return of Messiah Yeshua. Adonai is gathering His people and calling Bnei Anusim home to where we belong. As it is written: "Therefore say, thus says Adonai Elohim, “I will gather you from the peoples and collect you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel” - Ezekiel 11:17. 

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