In addition , many Marranos ( crypto - Jews who outwardly professed Christianity ) settled in Antwerp at the end of the 15th century .
In the 16th century , many Sephardic Jews who had been expelled from Spain and Portugal settled in Belgium and the Netherlands .
In addition , many Marranos ( crypto - Sephardic Jews who outwardly professed Christianity ) settled in Antwerp at the end of the 15th century .
In the 16th century , many Sephardic Jews who had been expelled from Spain and Portugal settled in Belgium and the Netherlands .