Asser Levy

Asser Levy was a member of the first group of Jews to arrive in New Amsterdam, in September 1654, where he became a wealthy merchant and landowner. He successfully advocated for his fellows coreligionists when he contested a tax assessed against Jews who were refused the right to serve in the militia and he also achieved for his coreligionists the right to carry on trade in the community.

In 1657, he was made a freeman of New Amsterdam and became the most prominent of 17th century New Amsterdam (New York from 1664) Jews. Asser made his fortune by engaging in an extensive trade, principally in the city and in the Hudson River Valley, dealing in all types of merchandise. In 1678, he opened a butcher and tanning shop in New York City. He also became a landowner by purchasing land in various sections of New York.