[Cicero]

Muslims invaded Spain, killed most of the native population, and drove the rest up into the mountains. It took the Spaniards hundreds of years to reconquer their own country. Needless to say, none of this had anything to do with toleration.

One reason for prejudice against the Jews in the fifteenth century, ending with their expulsion in 1492, was that there was a life and death struggle against the Muslims, who still raided the Spanish coast, took slaves, and threatened to conquer the country a second time. No doubt some Jews were loyal, but others traded with the enemy. The Spanish had good reasons to be paranoid about loyalty in such a situation. It doesn't excuse their antisemitism, but it may help to explain it.

[Valin]

Muslims invaded Spain, killed most of the native population, and drove the rest up into the mountains. It took the Spaniards hundreds of years to reconquer their own country. Needless to say, none of this had anything to do with toleration.


Chapter and verse please.