The Jewish Historical Museum of Amsterdam Video (DVD)

Amsterdam has a long history of Jewish residents, with the first of them arriving in the city in 1600 as they fled the Inquisition that persecuted them in both Portugal and Spain. More arrived as persecution spread through Eastern Europe and Germany. Historical buildings that pertained to the Jewish history of Amsterdam were still being used by the time World War II began. Some of them have been destroyed, but some remain in the city. In this video, the history of Jews in the city are chronicled as they began their time in a city of sanctuary and continued living in the city for 400 years. Amsterdam buildings like the Portuguese Synagogue show the history of the Jews that spans the centuries. As the Germans moved into Amsterdam during World War II, their forces spelled a sharp turn in the lives of Jews in the city. Presented through tours, a look at religious objects in the city and paintings, this video paints a picture of 400 years of Jewish life in this unique city.

(15 minutes)