Doreen Alhadeff

Doreen Alhadeff’s family has lived in the Greater Seattle Area since 1906, when her grandmother immigrated and became the first Sephardic woman in Seattle. Growing up, her family was faithful to its Sephardic roots and spoke Ladino at home. In college, as a Spanish major, she studied in Spain, which strengthened her ties to the Sephardic culture.

In 2015, she became the first American to complete the process which allows Sephardic Jews to become Spanish citizens, which has been an effort of reconciliation after the 1492 expulsion of Jews from Spain. Since then, Alhadeff has co-founded the Seattle Sephardic Network, and through that she provides a space for Sephardic Jews to celebrate and learn about their culture.

On October 17, 2022, she received her civil knighthood merit decoration in recognition of her commitment and dedication to helping Sephardic Jews gain Spanish citizenship.

Article from: Washington Jewish Museum