I proclaim to you that Turkey is a land wherein nothing
is lacking, and where, if you will, all shall yet be well
with you. The way to the Holy Land lies open to you through
Turkey. Is it not better for you to live under Muslims than
under Christians? Here every man may dwell at peace. . .
.
Here you are allowed to wear the most precious garments.
In Christendom, on the contrary, you dare not even venture
to clothe your children in red or in blue, according to
your taste, without exposing them to the insult of being
beaten black and blue, or kicked red and green, and therefore
you are condemned to go about meanly clad in sad-colored
clothing. All your days are full of sorrow, even the Sabbaths
and the times appointed for feasting. Strangers enjoy your
goods, and, therefore, of what profit is the wealth of your
rich men? . . .
You call your riches your own; alas, they belong to them!
They bring false accusations against you. They respect neither
age nor wisdom; and though they give you a pledge sealed
sixty-fold, yet would they break it. They continually lay
double punishment upon you, a death of torment and confiscation
of goods. They prohibit teaching in your schools; they break
in upon you during your hours of prayer; and they forbid
you to work or conduct your business on Christian feast
days. . . .
And now, seeing all these things, O Israel, wherefore sleepest
thou? Arise!
and leave this accursed land forever!
