[PapaBear3625]

In real life, how could any particular Jew prove he was descended from a Jew expelled from Spain over 500 years ago?

[Former Fetus]

Sephardic Jews speak Ladino, a mixture of ancient Spanish and Hebrew. I think speaking the language is considered enough proof.

[lbryce]

Very interesting question. Here's an interesting point. From what I've heard, regarding Francisco Franco's neutrality during World War 2, his seeming intransigence to any deal with Hitler, his allowing for a porous state at Spain's border with France to make it easier for those seeking to escape the Vichy Government, especially Jews, into Spain was motivated by the fact that Franco knew, acknowledged that he was the descendant of Jews and it was his non-interventionist attitude, his abject lack of any real progress with Hitler on many accounts was as a result of this reality.

Hitler had sought Franco's permission to cross Spain in order to attack Gibraltar. Negotiations were tough and exceedingly slow at the end of which Franco had hardly offered up anything of substance to Hitler. Hitler was asked if there would be another round of negotiations, to which Hitler replied,"I'd rather have my eyeteeth pulled."

[ConservativeMind]

Most Jews who left eventually converted to Christianity/Catholicism just to survive. Some of these are in Central America, but I know a family in California, as well.

I have personal knowledge of this. Some of the few who remained Jews wound up in places like Rhode Island.

Virtually all changed their last names to hide their original identities. That name change, now, would be difficult, but not impossible, to dredge up.

It's a fascinating story from people I am close to.