Jacob Barsimson

Jacob Barsimson was one of the earliest Jewish settlers at New Amsterdam (New York City) and the earliest identified Jewish settler within the present limits of the state of New York.

Barsimson had been sent out by the Jewish leaders of Amsterdam, Dutch Republic, to determine the possibilities of an extensive Jewish immigration to New Amsterdam. With the fall of Dutch Brazil, it was imperative for Jews planning to leave Europe to find other new homes.

He arrived at that port on the ship Peartree (or de Pereboom) on August 22, 1654, having left the Netherlands on July 8. Another Jew named Jacob Aboaf also left the Netherlands on the ship, but departed at England. Barsimson was succeeded by a party of 23 Jews, who arrived at New Amsterdam in September from Brazil. They established Congregation Shearith Israel, the first Jewish synagogue in what would become the United States.

Jewish rights Governor Peter Stuyvesant initially discriminated against the Jews present in New Amsterdam in a variety of ways. However, Levy began serving in the militia in 1657. Therefore he was officially excused twice that month from appearing in court, due to religious reasons.