"Isn't That Amazing?" Jeff Goldblum Moved by Ancestor's WWII Story | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
- Jeff Goldblum learns that WWII bravery runs through his family tree, as he uncovers the hidden story of his ancestor’s experience on the battlefield.
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00:00 Introduction
00:18 Jeff finds his father's roots in Russia
01:49 Jeff reads Israel's Holocaust Memorial documents
02:46 Jeff emotionally reacts to finding his second cousin - Наука та технологія
World War II left a deep impact on many of our families. What have you learned about your families' experience during this time?
I took my older cousin who lives in Louisiana to the WW2 museum in New Orleans. She is 10 years older than me. She was born in 1938 and remembered the war. I found out that her mom worked in the war industry in Philadelphia. Her mom would take her to school in the morning and then my cousin would walk to her mom’s work and wait for her to be finished. I knew her dad my father’s brother was in the Navy. I found out that my uncle was a cook supplying ships that were in dock in Virginia their food supplies while the ships were being repaired. My dad was also a cook but he was in the Army and was in New Guinea and Australia which I had known for just about my whole life. She and I had a great time that day!
@@catherines2421That's wonderful. Thank you sharing the lovely memory with us.
My Father was a US soldier in WWII. One night, the paragliders dropped into a city, I forgot which one. They were to take out a German Machine gun nest.
My Father and 2 other men approached. The man to my Father's Left got shot, killed, the man to the right of my Father got killed, so he was on his own. They kept firing at him for a long time, and I believe the other glider troops overtook the nest while he was shooting at my Father.
He said those gliders were shot up like swiss cheese. A miracle he survived. That was just one story of many.
I'm lucky to be here.
I'm use to seeing Jeff, a quirky but endearing actor, in situations which spark laughter. Him being moved to tears by stories of his ancestors, for me, makes it even more so impactful.
act-ing
@@shaystern2453 Well, aren’t you the perceptive, deductive Sherlock. Bravo, Inspector!
Love your picture! Lmfao!
Hey Dame Martha Falker. It's so true! We're used to seeing Jeff using his considerable comedic talents in so many memorable roles that such episodes can really make us pause and reflect. Thank you for checking out the video and we wish you every success in unlocking your own family history. Please call on us anytime you need our support.🌳
I was going to say something….but that pic, made me forget 😂
He can't even stop Goldbluming when he's talking about infernos and extermination. I love Jeff
lol
What does “ goldbluming “ mean, please?
Get a room !
I love it too Mathew. I think it's genuinely part of his personality. It's as if he takes on the persona of who he's speaking of.
@@bobareeniobobareenio2935 Watch him on Colbert - he's got a unique, quirky and delightful personality. He is one of my favorites.
Dude. I just can't. Hearing things like this just entirely messes me up. It hurts so badly, not only knowing these things happened that we can't undo, but also, knowing millions of hateful people still exist, and want to do this all over again. If it ever happens near me, I will not allow it. I promise. We are all family.
The beginning stages have already started happening. I’m waiting for it to get worse.
Youve got millions of people on social media right now calling for the mass death of the unvaccinated. So it shows that history will repeat itself over and over as people continue to get swallowed up by fear and paranoia.
@@JesusChrist2000BC exactly
You can try…. Many did back in the ‘30’s. It won’t matter. If it DOES happen again, the only thing we (as Jews) can do is FIGHT BACK this time…. Having grown up with familial stories of WWII, I doubt “we” will just sit there and hope it doesn’t happen again…. No, I don’t “hope”, if it does happen again, we WILL FIGHT! It’s too ingrained in our upbringing….
I was raised with “Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.” And THAT is why “we” will NEVER forget the past…
Sadly, very horrifyingly, it IS happening in China right now.
A group of people called the Uighers are being tortured, sterilized, worked to death in camps because of their religion. I may have the spelling of it wrong, but it’s a very real tragedy being kept from the public. Please look it up. There are petitions out there to bring it to light. Cotton and other products are being purchased from China by the sweat of this slave labor, by VERY popular companies here. You can find lists of them at human rights nonprofits. It’s very real and must not be ignored.
As an Indian sometimes I feel very privileged that we know our roots to such a deep level like we are still very close to my great grandfather's cousin's family it's amazing how we have so many thing in common
Talk for yourself... Idk at all
I know about my great great grandfather, great grandfather and so on... But I wanna know about people who were there before them and also their extended families. Maybe someone did something great and we don't know that they did. Maybe we can show some respect that way
As a Lebanese i (specially) can trace my roots 1400 years ego
@@NavW-or2rm
Ayyy, same here. After the communists wrecked Vietnam and Laos, our family roots are gone to the wind. All we have is vague stories from dad and some war torn forests. Practically we began to exist in 1950.
Yo
One of my daughters was born and spent her first three years in Oral, Russia. By that time it had been renamed to Uralsk, now in Kazakhstan. I saw a small war memorial there. Lovely people there.
I think this might be a different city called Orel (also spelled Oryol) in western Russia?
Thank you for sharing with us!
@@zavi13 Oryol- it's not in Qazaqhstan area. Oryol- is central Russia. Oral- it's name of huge lake. I think it's get dried now 😢
@@nadiamordvinkin6310 do you mean the Aral Sea? The Sea that he Soviets destroyed by over using it to water crops
@@kayzeaza Yes. I don't know if it was distroyed in Soviet times, or already in RF time.
One of my favorite actors.
Mine as well.
@@momoiida5505 mine too - this made me cry 😢
And.......................?????????????????????????????
He's the thinking man's Ryan Reynolds...in all his roles he just plays himself!
He is very articulate and expressive.it’s hard NOT to have a crush on him!
It's really amazing what we can discover from our ancestors. During my search, I found out that my great-grandfather was immigrating to the USA (in 1905), but due to a storm in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, he ended up in Brazil, where he remained until his death (in 1961). His father was a philosophy professor in Berlin (today, Humboldt Universität), where he interacted with Albert Einstein and Max Planck during the time they were developing their theories at the very same university. They were constantly meeting to discuss the philosophical aspects of their theories, and their students were interacting during this process.
Fascinating!
I do so adore Jeff! This clip was excruciatingly short.
@MissKitka, There is a FULL episode…these ‘clips’ are just to get people interested and educated on the show.
Agreed!
I absolutely ADORE this series. It is always very well put together. I've never seen the episode with Jeff though, have to go find it in its entirety. He is wonderful.
Did you find it
Jeff tearing up made me tear up! 🥺
Me too 😢
Same :)
The spirit of Elijah is real. Jeff was on the verge of tears thinking about his cousin’s story.
Jeff Goldblum is so genuine, I admire him and for this reason, he's my favorite actor.
My Greatgrandfather was Jewish, he had a family of nine, they boarded up the windows and nailed the doors shut then set the roof alight with the whole family pershing inside My grandmother was a tiny girl and She squeezed through a coal shoot in the basement overlooked by the Kozaks, She ran for safety, amid the terror hearing the screams of Her family roasting alive. This was in Galicia, on the Imperial boarder, when the Russians took over.
holy moly, RIP man
@@cornpop7176 Why did you say "Jewish led?" The Bolsheviks were not a religious political movement, quite the opposite.
@@rsmith02 most estimates had Bolshevik leadership sitting around 80% Jewish
@@cornpop7176 Jews were backing the revolution for legitimate reasons, as they though results would be comparable to the french revolution and they wouldnt be the target of massive pogroms anymore. Your family was a collateral damage, but russian jews were still legitimate in their choice.
I got chills reading this story. 😪 that is terrible
Their reaction always moves me, I'm also doing research on my ancestors. It's a gratifying feeling.
My grandma told me Jeff is a distant cousin of ours. I wonder if I’m related to these folks too.
Reach out to Mr Gates or to Jeff with your family tree and ask them to confirm or deny. It would be amazing if you Are related, even distantly.
@@stephanieyee9784 I usually don't do this but because I feel his title is so well deserved I must correct you.. lol, it's *Doctor* Gates. 💙
That would be pretty cool @leezPgh. Be sure to let us know if you do any research and are able to verify a connection! 😃
LeezPzh :- There is no such thing as distant relatives, only family members.
@@KSynBlaze Here, here. I’ve made similar statements in recent years when newly found relatives refer to us as being ‘distant cousins.’ If the DNA says we’re kin, compounded with proof via research, we’re family.
Seeing Jeff Goldblum cry I just can’t
We are glad that you enjoyed this video.
@@AncestryUS I have greatly enjoyed some of your more recent story’s
I love Jeff so much. He's just so unique, quirky and genuine.
An authentic person, not perfect and not pretending to be (he saves the pretending for his movies). His personal messiness is his beauty. Everyone’s is! 🌟
@@yvettemarshallTWN personal messiness... I love that
@@janep1968 🎖
Speaking Russian and being fluent enough that I can read those records in this video, I honestly teared up when I saw this.... it's truly touching....
Every Jew suspects family members were engulfed in the mass extermination during WW2. It is heartbreaking when family research provides confirmation about family extermination during WW2.
Between slavery and the Holocaust, it’s hard to read or watch the atrocities that occurred. I weep for humanity when I watch anything pertaining to those events.
@@rorydouthard3636 me too - its heart breaking
And puts names and faces to them, wow!
I was also saddened watching Lisa Kudrow and Jerry Springer's ancestry.
Even sadder when some of them are left alive.
Jeff Goldblum is so charismatic, he's still captivating even when he's caught off guard and sad. Incredible.
I've been researching my family history for several months now. The findings certainly do change how I see myself.
I cant find squat on my family , what criteria are u using .
@@bighomieJ5X whatever that has been available online. I have been focused on closer matches (1st-4th) cousins. I'm at the pre-civil war "brick wall," common for a lot of blacks due to obvious circumstances, as the way you research changes.
@@bighomieJ5X depening on when a record becomes availibe you might need to start with your great grandparents instead of your grandparents. I even needed to start a generation later at my great great grandparents. In the netherlands records become avialbe after 50/75/100 years depending on the record. it might be diffrent for the united states tho.
Exactly!!
@@Heksje1998 ok thanks that's a great idea
I love his work and his sense of style! Jeff G. and Christopher Walken float my boat! Jeff’s a Scorp, quirky and deep. Much married and finally a father at like, 60-something with accumulated wisdom and a solid legacy for his sons. Also an accomplished jazz musician. The whole enchilada. 🎶🏆💯
He's amazing and sooooo handsome- he reminds me of my brother
@@cd6243 is your brother married? 🎏
@@cd6243 I always though he was handsome also.
He’s a Libra/Scorpio cusp. October 22nd. Usually classed as Libra.
@@cindybogart6062 I always thought so, too. I've liked him since Tenspeed and Brown Shoe.
When I started looking for my family, all I knew was the name of my father and my grandfather. It's taken some 30 years, and although there is so much more to learn, I am now back to Switzerland in 1525.
That's really fascinating, Laurence, we're glad that you've managed to find information going back so far! We hope you'll continue to find out more and add records to your family tree too. Thanks for sharing!
1500's.. that's incredible!
@@sandrasharp2934 A distant cousin had the family documented back to 1066, but when she passed the daughter destroyed all fhe research.
@@laurencelance586 tragic, really. can't understand people who don't get the importance of history and saving such rare records.
@@GoldieHoffmanComedian Yes, Goldie it is tragic that the daughter destroyed some 50 years of effort and careful documentation. Pali, my cousin who passed, was a librarian by profession and I have every reason to believe that her research was carefully documentated in the most precise manner. I strongly suspect that one of the reasons why the family has such a dislike for any genealogical research is rooted in anti semitism, because there is at leat strong circumstancial reason to believe we intermarried into Jewish famalies.
Ancestry us truly amazing. You never truly know what you'll find.
My 14th great grandfather was John William Rogers. He was burnt at the stake by queen Mary in 1555 for not changing his religious beliefs.
My 12th great grandfather Thomas Matthew Rogers. Thomas and his son came over on the Mayflower.
My 11th great grandaunt Ann Foster Alcock was accused of being a witch during the salem witch trials. She died in prison at 76 years old after withstanding torture.
I am also connected to a veteran of the revolutionary War and the war of 1812.
Proud of my heritage: Mostly Scots irish.
Made me tear up a bit when Jeff found his roots.
Fascinating! What a spectrum of events, historical events.
What a fascinating family history you have Thomas, thank you so much for sharing these parts of it with us. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed this episode of Finding Your Roots as well!
Who f*ckin cares.
Pretty cool my man
Wow! Sorry for the sad family endings you've discovered, but impressed at the past generational connections you've found!
I want to give Jeff Goldblum a big hug after seeing his reaction to his family history! 🤗
I'm glad I know much of my families roots and ancestry here but there's so much more to learn
Thanks for sharing with us, @greenblood64. We hope you enjoyed this segment from "Finding Your Roots". Good luck as you learn more about your family history.
My grandmother was a Lithuanian Catholic who barely managed to get out of Europe before the war but unfortunately she had many aunts , uncles and cousins that didn't get out and most were killed in the Camps.
So incredibly moving.. just want to hug Mr Goldblum..
This is why I love learning about lineage and history. It is a huge shock to the system to know that even though it's history it's not that far back. Time is a funny thing, which is why this had me in looking into my family. 🥰
Such a touching story
Dr Gates, you are just so good.
Unquestionably, Jeff Goldblum is one of my favorite actors.
Really grateful to see you share this. So good to see more of you lately. 🥰
Hey Jim! It's great to see that you have been checking out this video and learning more about Jeff's family history. Dr Gates amazing work and historical insights never fail to fascinate us and we're delighted that we're clearly not alone in our appreciation of his skills.❤️
Have you managed to learn much about your own family history yet or is this on your to do list for 2022? Make sure to call on us anytime you need our support. ☃️❤️🎄
I've always loved Jeff Goldblum, glad to see he was able to learn something new of his heritage here.
We need this program to come back with its full episodes.
Jeff’s been one of my favorite actors since I was a kid. I was a weird kid and the vibe he gave off in Jurassic park spoke to me. Having done my down research I to my family history I too found tragedy, and extermination. Having come from an old Noble Irish family the roots run deep into the very bones of Ireland herself. Even having not been in Ireland for a generation, it was cool to do the DNA test and find out that my family carries the genetic marker on our Y chromosome that links us to Niall of the 9 Hostages.
Niall and the 9 hostages kept on the hill of Tara
I have some ancestors from Ireland great great great but not much info I’m curious would Ireland have more info
90’s
His god-like physique spoke to me!
Thank you for sharing with us!
Dr. Gates..... The best dressed documentarian ever.🙌😊
It always saddens me to see this, even though it is in the past. My Great Uncle was drafted towards the end of WWII. He was involved more in the cleanup, so to speak. The pictures he brought home were heartbreaking.
Just adore Jeff. Always have. "Vibes" is in my top two all time favorite films.
This man is doing amazing work making these connections.
Jeff is such an amazing actor, you can tell he got closure with his reactions 🙏🏼🙏🏼
My father's family were from Buczacz which; when he was born, was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and is now in western Ukraine near Lviv. In 1919 my grandfather decided to move my grandmother and their children to London to stay with relatives. None of my family who stayed behind survived the war. Like Jeff, many names that came up during research I'd never heard of. I suspect there are MANY like us.
We're glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for the suggestion! We'll make sure to pass it along! :)
I love Jeff , He is one of my favorites . The look on His Face when He found out they no doubt were at War the same time was priceless
I am glad Jeff (Jurassic Park) Goldblum found out more about his ancestors. Alway's liked him. 😊
Thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks so much for your comment, Russell! We often see people share that they’d love to participate in shows like Finding Your Roots, or A New Leaf. Right now we’re actually casting for a show that you might be interested in applying for, and you'll be able to apply by uploading a video in the link below. We hope this helps a little, and we wish you a wonderful day!
ancestrysubmissions.com/stories
Lovely piece about Mr. Goldblum; I was also in tears. Ancestry, do you have any ideas how an individual can get the same results without being famous?
Hi Heather, we are glad that you enjoyed the video. You can learn more about hiring a professional genealogist here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Hiring-a-Genealogist?language=en_US
Always loved Jeff Goldblum. He’s just who he is. Unique, expressive, quirky. ❤
Hi there, BlondieLJ! Thanks so much for stopping by. We are thrilled you have enjoyed this episode with Jeff Goldblum so much. We hope you love the rest of the seasons just as much!
I've loved this man, Jeff Goldblum, for a very long time.
I'm in love with Jeff since i was a little girl. Don't know why. It's just part of me.
Lol we all have crushes
You should enter"Mattiel Jeff Goldblum" a child's ode to her worship
Same!
For me, since "Buckaroo Banzai"
Me too! But I know why, that leather ensemble in Jurassic park 😅
Shortly after WW1 my family, which was living in the Rotterdam region of The Netherlands, had a split. Half the family wanted to come here fearing another war could happen in the future. The other half stayed.
I do not know what happened to the half that stayed in Europe, but I have to imagine they died in the Rotterdam Blitz :( - If they are still alive I hope they are doing well
I watch this PBS show every Tuesday night. Fascinating! I’m a big fan of Jeff!
When it's your family it's not just history any more. It's part of your own story, your own life and can change your perspective on history in a second. Very interesting video.
We're glad you enjoyed it, Tracy!
@ Tracy Rain Learning about my family’s genealogy was the one way that my Grandmother began to teach me about history. Once my interest was piqued, it was a whole new world of learning for me at a young age.
Man I love Mr Jeffrey great great actor I’m glad you found your roots💛💛
He is one of my favorite actors. At the top of the list!
I love this! I need to find the whole episode. Thank you. ~Sharon
Met Jeff Goldblum at one of his piano nights in LA. Amazing fun, down to earth, song night plus bonus six degrees of Jeff Goldberg questions...
Oh heck that DOES sound like fun...especially the 6 degrees of random questions.
Jeff Goldbum is a precious treasure.
You know, it's crazy, I've always wanted to learn more about my grandfather, he was in the army in Vietnam but no one will tell me what he did, he died when I was 7. all I know is he was a specialist. Now I'm in the navy in Japan and yearning to learn more about my family's past but don't have the time to do the research
This is common for soldiers who return from war. It's so scarring, they never want to talk about it. My grandfather was a prisoner of war in occupied France in WW2, he was liberated by the D-Day operation. He never spoke of it in any more detail than that. His goal once he returned to the US was to try to live his life as if that horrific chapter had never happened. Even with his close family, he would not speak of it. It's possible no one in your family knows exactly what your grandfather did in Vietnam.
My grandpa was in Korea as a medic. The only thing I know about his time serving was that he saw enough trenchfoot and gangrene that he never wanted anyone wearing his shoes....and it's not because he ever told me that.
If your grandfather was a Specialist, I think he may have been a doctor and not in the front lines. That was a horrific war. Thank God that he survived and was intelligent that he didn't have to fight in the front line.
I've never felt more like giving Jeff Goldblum a hug.
Jeff is such a joy to listen to and watch!
Love Jeff Goldblum, always have.
One of my favorite actor as well. Amen
It's weird seeing him with grey hair. 8 remember when he had no grey
His eyes are so soulful.
My mom is from South Korea. Her dad left his family from the north before they split. I can only imagine what that side of the family has had to live through.
Attention: If your doing ancestry research beware of other people researching some family records and adding or subtracting people your not really related to.
It pays to be that nosey kid that sits and listens to the adults "spilling all the tea" (southern saying for telling all the secrets). In doing my research, I found most of it already accomplished and it did match with all those names I heard as I eavesdropped on the adults, while pretend to be caught up in my Barbies. A side of the family, I never met had linked all the names and stories as I'd heard them growing up. It's a pretty astonishing story, but it matches the "oral traditions " of my elders, so I feel pretty confident in it all. My husband wanted me to research his family. As a rascal of a boy, he couldn't be bothered to hear the adults. Hence, I really can't get it done. There is the chance his people have been here as long as mine, but he was certain they came in the first few decades of the 20th century. The names he gives are as common in the time as cell phones are now. The lesson? Always be sure to spy on the adults, when they talk. It's usually some good dirt but is also beneficial to confirm genealogy research. 😏🤭
How do you reckon ppl have the power to do this while others will disagree?
Be sure to get everything you can from grandparents, parents and other relatives and write it down. You will begin your research and have major regrets as you proceed and cannot ask questions you have since people who knew the answers have passed on.
Family rumor had my grandfather previously married . I found the proof of the divorce in the dirty courthouse basement . I learned my father had also been divorced.
Both men filed for divorce due to their wives adultery.
Dr. Gates is a treasure!!
All these little bits of coincidences, happenings or dare I say, luck and fate, make us all here today. Always makes me a little teary.
Jeff Goldblum is my favorite actor , he is humble and I just love him. Love always and my prayers for you Mr. Goldblum
I really like Jeff Goldblum. He such a character & good actor & can be so funny.
Jeff Goldblum crying is the saddest thing....but we love him.....
I love Jeff Goldblum. So smart so funny so wonderful. His voice alone !!!
Jeff is wonderful. Very connected to his emotions. It's no wonder he is a captivating actor.
Who can dislike Jeff Goldblum. inspiring story too.
My father’s family on his father’s side were descendants of the Spanish Inquisition in which Jews that were forced to convert or die. They fled to Poland and remained Jewish.
Found out about my dad 3 years ago. I been researching now my whole family Ancestry for I think 15 years or so now overall. Family History is still just out of reach for me, even though I know of Names now. My dad is an Alcoholic, and neither him or my Half sister know much about there history. I hardly talk to them.. but I would like knowing. Seems I had Revolutionary War, 1812, Mexican American War, Union troops, WW1 & 2 Soliders all over in my family. Lost some Ancestors to disease, Indians, ect.. I like this Show on PBS.
Mr Goldblum I was Happy for, very touching indeed.
Jeffs style and swag is incredible. love this man
We saw real emotion in an great actors face. It broght tears to my eyes. how we can be so mean to each other is beyond me . I see it coming again soon. Hate should be earned
I'm afraid you're right that it's coming again soon. We must never forget history. There is a statue in front of the remains of the Dachau concentration camp which proclaims, "Never again!", but, I'm sad to say, I think it will.
Jeff Goldblum has always been one of my favorites. There’s just something about him…
Well, for a couple, he is tall, 6’5” plus, and darkly handsome. I’m weird but I loved Independence Day.
May their memories be a blessing
Thank you so much for doing what you do. You are a remarkable individual ❤
He still looks AMAZING!!
He does, he will be 70 this year.
I love Jeff and his family ❤❤❤❤❤
“Life finds a way”
I genuinely have loved this man as an actor since I was a little girl. He is such a dope and interesting person. How he speaks and his since of humor
Top of the year my dear!!! Write your goals down get it done cuhz!
God Bless Jeff and his ancestors!Jeff Goldblum is an outstanding actor and a beautiful funny friendly sweet man!!! I’m sure Jeff is so proud of his ancestors.He has a lot to be proud of.He’s a great man with an interesting and amazing family heritage!
Moving... Absolutely moving.. I can see and feel Jeff's emotions.
Can you do my family history next?
Thanks so much for watching, Regina! We're glad you enjoyed the clip. If you're interested in learning about your family history, you can get started for free on our site. We'll pop a guide below for starting your family tree below in case you'd like to check it out. Thanks again for watching, and have a great day!
Link: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Getting-Started-Lesson-1-Starting-Your-Tree
I love Dr. Louis Gates Jr's. show. Ancestry is letting us know how we are all connected in this world.
Wow, Jeff’s ancestor lived the same life as Fievel’s family in An American Tail.
Are you serious 🧐 This made me LOL.
Love Jeff Goldblum. He’s so empathetic and it’s touching to see.
Hi, Suzi. Thanks for commenting. We're so glad you enjoyed this segment of Finding Your Roots. It's always interesting to see how people react when they learn about their family tree.
I have always loved Jeff Goldblum.
Professor Gate does a good job
Hi Norma, we are glad that you like the video. Have you had a chance to dive into your family history?
Love Jeff !! Great actor
Hi Eva. We're glad to hear from you. There are many ways to learn more about your family history. You can start a family tree and use our free records to start your research. AncestryDNA is another way to connect with living relatives and work together to grow your family tree. Here are more details to help you start your own journey.
support.ancestry.co.uk/s/article/What-to-Expect-from-AncestryDNA
support.ancestry.co.uk/s/article/Ancestry-Family-Tree-Resources
We're glad you enjoyed the video.
I just saw a clip where a jewish guy goes to Spain to discover what the Inquisition was like for jews. So he discovered that some jews kept their jewish faith even though they converted, but one young girl was found out so they decided to burn her at the stake, she made such a moving speech at the stake, they decided to show her mercy, so they garroted her before they burned her. Our guy was really moved by this, that she had kept her faith in the face of adversity. The researcher then presented our host with some more research. His own ancestor had converted to Christianity and became a governor in a province in Mexico where he persecuted and burned native Mexicans for refusing to abandon their beliefs. The past is a different country.
jim you are talking about the conversos. Those who converted to Christianity on the outside, but practised Judaism privately. They were long known in Spain before the Expulsion but once the edict was announced, many left. But plenty stayed because Spain was their home, and over the generations the mask of Christianity became entrenched, but they kept certain practises for which over time, the meaning was lost. But they knew they could only do these with family only and in private. Like lighting candles on Friday evening, but putting them in a cupboard so they would not be seen in the street.
The Catholics had another name for them: Marranos. Its not a particularly nice name as it translates to "Pigs". I saw a film about 15 years ago about a group of hidden Jews in Spain who gathered in secret to perform certain rituals throughout the year, but could not explain the ritual. One ritual was in spring, gathering to make matzah (something we eat at Passover). They chanted a prayer while they did but the fact is the words were lost. At one time probably would have been Hebrew but with no knowledge of what they were saying, it was just sounds. They knew they were different, but I dont think they knew they were descendants of Jews.
I admire those like Mr. Goldblum who can look back on family histories that don't include slave plantation owners. They can feel some sympathy and connection with their forebears. I look back on the diseased branch of my family tree and owww, my head. My favorite film he did was probably "Igby Goes Down" (probably not quite the role he'd like to be fondly remembered for but it was such a great story and film!)
I love that movie and of course Mr. Goldblum.