Ester Dias was a prominent figure in the 16th century Portuguese Jewish community. She was known for her resilience and determination in the face of persecution during the Portuguese Inquisition. Ester Dias, also known as Gracia Mendes Nasi, was a wealthy and influential woman who used her resources to support and protect other Jews facing persecution.

After the death of her husband, Francisco Mendes, Ester took on the responsibility of managing the family’s extensive business interests. She became a key figure in the Portuguese Jewish diaspora, using her wealth and connections to provide financial assistance and safe passage to Jews fleeing the Inquisition.

Ester Dias collaborated with her daughter Reyna and son-in-law Don Joseph Nasi to organize and fund secret escape routes for persecuted Jews. They used their network of contacts across Europe to help hundreds of Jewish families find safety in various parts of the world, including the Ottoman Empire.

Her courage and determination in the face of adversity made Ester Dias a symbol of hope for many persecuted Jews. Her legacy lives on as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Jewish people during one of the darkest periods in European history.