Diorama: Menasseh Ben Israel Appealing to Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of england, to Allow the Resettlement of Jews in england, 1655

Rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel sought to disperse Jews all over the world, believing it a necessary condition for the coming of the Messiah. he publicized his ideas in books printed in Latin, Spanish and english. Oliver Cromwell invited him to england to participate in a debate on whether Jews should be readmitted to england. Although a decision was not reached at the time, Ben Israel’s arguments shaped public opinion and eventually led to Jews being allowed to practice their faith openly in the country.