The Portuguese Inquisition, instituted in 1536, was one of the darkest periods in Portugal’s history. Originally established to combat heresy and strengthen Catholic orthodoxy, it quickly became a tool of political and religious repression, focusing particularly on the New Christians – Jews who had been forcibly converted to Christianity in the late 15th century. The brutality of the inquisitorial system was not limited to interrogations; it involved arbitrary imprisonments, physical and psychological torture, property confiscation, public humiliation, and, in extreme cases, executions by burning in public spectacles known as autos-da-fé.

Among the victims were many Jews who, despite having accepted conversion to Christianity to protect their lives and possessions, continued to practice Judaism in secret. However, the Inquisition maintained strict surveillance over these "New Christians," always on the lookout for signs of hidden Jewish practices. A simple accusation, often motivated by rivalry or personal interest, could lead to imprisonment and trial for heresy.

Amid this climate of fear and despair, the courage and commitment of figures like Jacob Nunes Góis became a symbol of resistance. Nunes Góis, a prosperous merchant and banker of Jewish origin, was fully aware of the constant danger his community faced. He and his family found themselves in a highly precarious situation: on one hand, they were pressured to abandon their faith and traditions; on the other, they knew that even after converting, stigma and suspicion would never leave them.

What set Jacob Nunes Góis apart from other members of the Jewish community was his ability to use his power, wealth, and international contacts to protect his people. With a keen sense for business and a vast network of relationships that included influential merchants, bankers, and members of the royal court, Jacob was uniquely positioned to offer logistical and financial support to those in need of fleeing persecution.

While many Jews sought individual means of survival, Góis adopted a collective strategy. He organized and financed secret expeditions that transported endangered Jews out of Portugal, disguising these operations as commercial missions. Merchant ships, often laden with spices or luxury goods, also carried Jewish families in secret, allowing them to escape the oppressive reach of the Inquisition.

The destinations of these families varied, depending on the safe routes the merchants could use. Many found refuge in places like Brazil, which, recently discovered and in the process of colonization, offered a new beginning for those fleeing European intolerance. Others went to the Netherlands, where a more tolerant religious atmosphere allowed Jews to rebuild their lives with greater freedom. The Ottoman Empire, known for its relative openness to Jews, was another possible destination. The protection network established by Góis was crucial in saving not just hundreds, but thousands of Jews, including entire families who would have otherwise succumbed to inquisitorial persecution.

To ensure the success of his operations, Jacob Nunes Góis formed a strategic alliance with another powerful merchant, Bartolomeu Marchionni, a prominent Florentine who had established himself in Lisbon. Marchionni, in addition to sharing Góis' vision for international business, had a deep sense of social responsibility. Together, they used their merchant fleets and influence in the ports to coordinate Jewish escapes. This partnership was one of the key pillars of the salvation network that ensured the success of many of these operations.

The escapes orchestrated by Góis and Marchionni were extremely risky. Any misstep could mean not only the end for the fugitives but also for the organizers. However, the audacity of both merchants, combined with their ability to operate in complete secrecy, allowed many Jews to leave Portugal safely.

The actions of Jacob Nunes Góis and his family during the period of the Inquisition represent one of the most remarkable examples of organized resistance by New Christians. Instead of passively accepting oppression, he used every means available to fight against injustice and protect his people. In a time when being Jewish in Portugal was synonymous with constant danger, the Góis family became a symbol of hope and resistance for the Jewish community.

The impact of their actions was felt for generations. The escape routes he helped establish allowed Jewish identity to be preserved outside Portugal’s borders, particularly in new colonies like Brazil, as well as in more tolerant territories like the Netherlands. His contributions to the colonization of Brazil not only helped create a refuge for persecuted Jews but were also fundamental to the economic development of the Portuguese colony.

The courage of Jacob Nunes Góis and his family during the Portuguese Inquisition highlights the human capacity to resist oppression and protect the vulnerable even in the face of the greatest adversities. Góis’ story is a testament to the power of compassion, organized resistance, and the determination to save lives, even during one of the most challenging periods in Portugal's history. His memory and legacy continue to inspire those who fight against intolerance and religious persecution, reminding us that courage and solidarity can overcome fear and injustice.