Worms massacre (1096) facts for kids
The Worms massacre was the murder of at least 800 to 1000 Jews from Worms, Holy Roman Empire (now Germany), at the hands of crusaders under Count Emicho in May 1096.
The massacre at Worms was one of a number of attacks against Jewish communities perpetrated during the First Crusade (1096–1099). Followers of Count Emicho arrived at Worms on May 18, 1096. Soon after his arrival, a rumour spread that the Jews had killed a Christian and contaminated water to poison the town's wells. The local populace later joined forces with Emicho and launched a savage attack on the town's Jews, who had been given sanctuary in Bishop Adalbert's palace, though others chose to remain outside its walls.
After eight days, Emicho's army, assisted by local burghers broke in and killed those seeking asylum there. The Jews were in the midst of reciting the Hallel prayer for Rosh Chodesh Sivan.
In all, from 800 to 1,000 Jews were killed. One of the most famous victims was Minna of Worms.
See also
- Av HaRachamim
- Jews in the Middle Ages
- Medieval antisemitism
- Minna of Worms
- Kalonymus Ben Meshullam
