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Jose Mejia states that although the Mexia or Mejia name was probably Sephardic (Jewish), none of the Mejias in the New Worl could have been Jews. That is technically correct,if a Jew is only one who professes the religion. The fact is that many Spanish Jews "converted" or bribed official to emigrate to the New World. A least 2 or 3 of the persons who arrived with Columbus were of the Jewish race, some were baptized just before entering the ship. I think the progenitor of my family was Rodrigo Mexia, who arrived in the Dominican Republic in 1501 with Nicolas de Ovando. I am not Jewish, but I have studied the Jewish experience in Spain and it was very complicated. There were many conversions, some forced, some willing and many name changes. Therefore, one cannot say that there were no Jews in Spanish America. On the contrary, some countries were filled with crypto Jews or newly converted Jews. Such was the case in the West Indies, Dom. Rep., Cuba, Jamaica and in Mexico. I would love to hear any further comments on this topic.
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