Worms massacre (1096)

The Worms massacre was the murder of 800 Jews of Worms, Germany, at the hands of crusaders headed by Count Emicho in May 1096.

The massacre at Worms was one of 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 a rumour spread that the Jews had drowned a Christian and used 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. Every Jew that was captured was slain. Bishop Adalbert intervened and allowed his palace to serve as a refuge, but eight days later the mob broke in and slaughtered those seeking asylum there. They were in the midst of reciting the Hallel prayer for Rosh Chodesh Sivan. In all, around 800 Jews were killed, with the exception of some who committed suicide and a few who were forcibly baptised. One Simchah ben Yitzchak ha-Cohen stabbed the bishop's nephew while being baptised and was killed for it.