The history of Jewish pirates, including crypto-Jews, is an intriguing and often overlooked chapter in piracy. Their presence in the piracy scene from the medieval period through to the late 19th century is tied to a complex mix of persecution, exile, and survival, often driving these individuals to the high seas.

Jewish and Crypto-Jewish Pirates: Historical Context

The Jewish diaspora, especially after the expulsion from Spain in 1492, pushed many Sephardic Jews into piracy and privateering as a means of survival and resistance. Forced to convert to Christianity publicly but secretly maintaining their Jewish practices, these conversos or crypto-Jews were driven by a blend of economic necessity, religious identity, and sometimes, vengeance against the Spanish Crown.

Key Figures and Styles

• Yaakov Koriel: A former rabbi and captain, Koriel fled Spain due to the Inquisition. He is notable for his adeptness at navigating different identities. Koriel sailed with mixed crews and adhered to a loosely egalitarian ethos. He was known for engaging in piracy against the Spanish and Portuguese, often targeting ships laden with New World silver.
• Samuel Pallache: Known as the “Pirate Rabbi,” Pallache was both a merchant and a diplomat, straddling the line between piracy and diplomacy. Operating out of the Netherlands, he often worked as a privateer under Moroccan or Dutch flags, raiding Spanish ships and using the profits to fund Jewish communities in Europe and North Africa.
• Sinan Reis: Also called “The Great Jew,” Sinan was a Barbary corsair who served under the Ottoman Empire. Known for his strategic prowess, he was instrumental in several battles against the Spanish fleet. His ships were often well-armed and manned by crews of varied backgrounds, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Ottoman piracy.

Ships and Crews

Jewish pirates often commanded agile, medium-sized ships optimized for speed and maneuverability, such as brigantines or xebecs. These ships allowed them to evade larger vessels and attack quickly, focusing on raids rather than prolonged engagements. The crews were typically multicultural, including former Muslims, fellow Sephardic Jews, and even African freedmen. This diversity not only reflected the pirate ethos of the period but also facilitated covert operations in diverse regions.

Styles of Operation and Communication

Jewish pirates operated through complex networks that spanned across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and parts of the Atlantic. Communication was crucial for navigating alliances and evading authorities. They employed several techniques, including:

1. Use of Languages: Jewish pirates were often multilingual, speaking Ladino, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hebrew. This linguistic ability allowed them to communicate in code, both spoken and written, making it difficult for enemies to intercept their plans.
2. Symbolic Communication: They would mark certain signs on trade routes or ports as a way to signal allies. These could include painted or carved symbols on trees, rocks, or docks that only members of their network would understand.
3. Information Networks: Jewish pirates benefited from the extensive Sephardic diaspora networks in Europe, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire. These connections allowed them to receive early warnings about Spanish galleons or Inquisition officials. Synagogues and merchant ports sometimes served as hubs for passing encrypted messages.
4. Disguised Ships and Flags: To evade detection, Jewish pirates often sailed under false flags or modified their ships to look like ordinary merchant vessels. Some even adorned their ships with Christian symbols to allay suspicion, which was particularly useful for crypto-Jews operating in heavily Catholic areas.
5. Jewish Law and Piratical Codes: While not identical to the better-known “Pirate Code” of the Caribbean, some Jewish pirates incorporated elements of Jewish law into their ship’s code. This could include shared spoils, humane treatment of prisoners, and the prohibition of attacking certain vessels, reflecting a code of ethics shaped by their cultural heritage.

Influence and Legacy

The legacy of Jewish pirates lies not only in their contribution to piracy but also in their role in resisting oppressive empires. They often found sympathy among other marginalized groups, making them unique allies of Ottoman and North African corsairs. Their piracy also allowed them to build economic resources that helped sustain Jewish communities in diaspora, preserving cultural identity amid widespread persecution.

The intersection of faith, survival, and rebellion among Jewish pirates represents a unique form of resistance. For many crypto-Jews, piracy offered a way to reclaim some measure of autonomy while retaliating against the forces that drove them to the high seas. These figures were more than just outlaws; they were part of a broader struggle for survival and identity, navigating the world’s oceans with wit, courage, and an unyielding sense of purpose.