Scientists cast doubt on claims Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Spain

The documentary Columbus DNA. His True Origin, broadcast on Spain ’s National Holiday , suggests that the explorer was not Genoese and Christian but Spanish and Jewish .

Forensic scientist José Antonio Lorente has not yet published any scientific study to back his claims.

Geneticist Antonio Alonso , former chief of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences , is not convinced.

Documentary Columbus DNA states that the supposed remains of Christopher and Diego are not like those of two brothers, but of two second cousins.

Geneticist Antonio Alonso is surprised by the absence of experts from the U.S. and Australia in the film whose contribution Lorente describes as essential.

Alonso is one of Spain 's leading experts in forensic genetics.

Historian Juan Pérez de Tudela y Bueso objected to the “emotional rather than reasoned patriotism” that was required “to complete the Spanish glory of the discovery, making its protagonist a Spaniard ” Historian: “The documentary rushes to a conclusion that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew originally from the Spanish Levant ”.