Asser Levy

Asser Levy (* probably in Vilnius, † February 1, 1682 ) was one of the first Jewish settlers of the Dutch colony of New Netherland, and one of the first Jews in America. He lived from 1654 to his death in the colony. He was the earliest documented Jew, who achieved a high social position in the territory of the present United States.

With its own house in Nieuw Amsterdam (present-day New York City ) he was there, the first Jew to land, and the first Jew, who was represented there in a jury.

Before Asser Levy left for America, he lived for some time in Schwelm first, then in Amsterdam. On 28 July 1660, he signed in Nieuw Amsterdam a mortgage with the name Asser Levy van Swellem ( is found in a family tree, the notation " van Schwelm " ), which could indicate the connection to the city Schwelm.