The Messiah

Halter returns with a remarkable alternative history, based on facts, of the little-known crusade by a 16th century Jew to marshal support for a Jewish state, four centuries before the creation of modern-day Israel.

David Reubeni is a Jewish prince from the lost kingdom of Chabor. Arriving in Venice, he begins spreading his own gospel of the return of the Jews to a homeland in Palestine. Reubeni scours the European courts for support, ultimately pleading his cause to Pope Clement VII, to whom he promises control of the holy sites of Jerusalem in return for the Pontiff's aid. Upon his arrival at each new country on his quest, Reubeni attracts throngs of followers, mostly comprised of jews longing for and expecting the Messiah. Will Reubeni attain his vision and lead his people to regain their homeland?