The video above, complete with backing track by Jewish reggae star Matisyahu (he’s coming to 92Y in March!), serves as ample preview for historian Ed Kritzler’s book, Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean: How a Generation of Swashbuckling Jews Carved Out an Empire in the New World in Their Quest for Treasure, Religious Freedom--and Revenge. Historical evidence reveals the Spanish Inquisition forced many Jews to flee Spain and the most adventurous among them were freewheeling outlaws, who plundered the Spanish fleet, formed alliances with other European powers and ensured the safety of Jews living in hiding.

On Oct 22 at 92YTribeca, Kritzler will be on hand to reveal the Jewish pirates, conquistadors and merchant adventurers who battled the Inquisition and initiated international trade.

Fascinating stuff, we wonder how he would adapt the Disney World ride.

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