Under Spanish rule (1506-1713)the city attracted conversos from POrtugal. They were important in starting the precious gem industry,the sugar trade,and in 1536 establishing the first international stock exchange in europe.
In mid 16th century ,the Spanish expelled conversos who arrived before 1543Nt 1591 only 47 families remained.

hadassah mag 4/2007 pg61

By 1591 just 47 families remained. In 1648 some were allowed to return. In 1713 the treaty of Utrecht made antwerp under Austrian rule and Jews including Ashkenazim were allowed to reside if they paid a special tax.
By 1794 they could settle freely in Antwerp and Ashkenazim were dominant. In 1815 it ws made part of the Netherlands and jews were granted equallity. In 1816 ,100 jews could pray and in 1828 there was a cemetery.
Belgium then gained indepeendance and the jewish population grew.
Although the first jews were sephardic ,today the majority are ashkenazi of polish descent . in day schools and yeshiva children learn 5 language including hebrrew.






pg61=63 hadassah 4/07