Spanish ‘kill Jews’ village votes on name change

A referendum was held Sunday to determine whether to change the name of the tiny Spanish village of Castrillo Matajudios, whose name literally means “Camp Kill Jews.”

Mayor Lorenzo Rodriguez said votes had begun to be cast at the village near Leon in northern Spain. Fifty-six people were registered to vote, he said.

Rodriguez suggested changing the village’s name to Castrillo Mota de Judios, which means “Castrillo Jews’ Hill.” He said this was the village’s original name.

The “Kill Jews” part of the name dates to 1627, after a 1492 Spanish edict ordering Jews to become Catholics or flee the country. Those who remained faced the Spanish inquisition, and many Jews were burned at the stake.

The village flag, ironically, features a Star of David emblem not dissimilar to that on the Israeli national flag.

If voters decide to change Castrillo Matajudios’ name, no decision would be made on a new name until June.

Times of Israel Staff contributed to this report.