Primary Source Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Primary Source Analysis - Essay Example It is further claimed that their pride and the number is responsible for their party disputes. These conflicts, however, were beneficial because they led to the introduction of schools and formation of laws. That is actually why Bridge Town, the Capital of Barbados, became a Seminary of Jews. This essay seeks to analyze Document 1 Chapter 6, showing how the Jews historical injustices have affected they way they are treated by other communities many years after. The petitioners presented their plea to the Majesty, claiming that their misfortunes and collapse of trade in the island should be addressed, though their argument seems farfetched; it is hard to believe that all their trouble is caused by the Jews. Although the Jews have a long history including the common Oath taken on the five books of Moses, there seems to be injustices resulting from this history especially when their traditional Oaths are used in courts as evidence. In other words, the Oaths that were taken in those days are long gone and should not be considered in courts. Essentially, it is foolhardy to factor in the history of Jews when deciding their cases in courts. In conclusion, some of the issues raised by the petitioners, especially incriminating the Jews based on their history have some basis and should be addressed.1 Account of the Destruction of the Speightstown Synagogue in Barbados, 1739 This letter was written by Barbadian planters to the Governor Burnet on August 1, 1793. The letter is a funny recount of a hideous man by the name of Burnet, who claimed to be the son of the late Governor Burnet. This part analyzes Document 2, showing how the Jews are treated with contempt because of their unbecoming behavior. This man complained of head ache when he was attending a young Jews wedding. Thereafter, Lopus welcomed him in his house for first aid, an offer he accepted. However, Lopus turned up with his men and manhandled him and charged him with robbery. This incident puzzled the so calle d Burnet so much. The situation worsened when a mob from Speightstown turned up against him in an uproar, suing and forcing him to pay several counts of damages. Consequently, the Leeward people were extremely pissed off that they decided to drive the Jews out of the town and destroyed their Synagogue. In a rejoinder, the Jews congregated at the Bridgetowm and resolved to use their wealth to protect their men in the Island. It seems true that the young man, who was punished, was an imposter. However, the magnitude of this punishment revealed some deep-rooted rivalry between the resident of this Island and the Jews. There seems to be an entrenched hatred for the Jews, which originated from historical injustices, which allowed them to accumulate a lot of wealth. The mob took advantage of this incident to vent their anger against the Jews. In an attempt to resolve the matter, the court decided to swear the Jews by their long Oath. However, I find this swearing unfounded and unnecessary because it may not force the Jews to reveal the wrong that they have committed. The swearing has the words ‘I swear to speak the whole truth’ is meaningless as the Jews will not be cowed down by these words. If they have resolved to fight for their justice, they will still ignore those swearing and hence; they will not reveal any information that will make them lose in the case.2 III. The â€Å"Confession Made by Cyrus†