Crypto Jews and The First RepublicThe period of the first republic (1910–1926) was an untypically hopeful period for Beira Crypto Jews. After centuries of fear, secrecy and oppression, the first republic brought a "reawakening" of the Jewish presence in the region.Crypto Jews were not predominantly involved in the rise of the Portuguese First Republic, however their descendants, ideas, and cultural legacy contributed indirectly through the broader liberal, secular, and anti-clerical movements that shaped modern Portuguese republicanism.However there were several individuals of Crypto Jewish ancestry involved in the First Republic.Dr. João de Barros (1881–1960), a prominent intellectual, was a Republican writer, educator, and diplomat. He served in republican cultural institutions and was associated with modernist intellectual circles. Francisco Fernandes Lopes (1892–1969) An important political writer and republican intellectual from Algarve. Raul Proença (1884–1941), journalist, philosopher and Influential in intellectual and social reform movements. It’s important to note that they were not practicing Jews, but of Crypto Jewish decent.And although the leaders of the First Republic were not known to be Crypto Jews, they were certainly familiar with the New Christians. Teófilo Braga (1843–1924) was born in Ponta Delgada (Azores), where a significant Jewish community existed at the time. Afonso Costa (1871–1937), Prime Minister and dominant political leader, who was the architect of anticlerical and secular reforms grew up in Seia where a Jewish community persisted.