The Persecution of the Jews Throughout History
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.2.28
The Persecution of the Jews Throughout History
Jews have been persecuted throughout history by different groups.
The Roman persecution of Jews
- The Roman leader Hadrian aimed to transform Jerusalem into a Roman metropolis.
- He banned circumcision and the practice of other Mitzvot (commandments) such as celebrating Shabbat.
- The Jews fought back under the leadership of a man called Bar Kokhba.
The Roman persecution of Jews (cont.)
- Hadrian gathered huge numbers of fighters to stop the Jews.
- By 135 AD the revolt had been extinguished and Bar Kokhba had been killed, but only after enormous losses on both sides.
- The Second Temple was destroyed and the Jews were exiled from Jerusalem.
- This national disaster is commemorated every year on the fast of the 9th of Av in the Hebrew calendar.
The Christian persecution of Jews
- Even though the Christian Bible says that the Romans killed Jesus, the Jews were blamed for wanting him to die.
- The idea of Jews as "Christ-killers" grew in popularity in the 4th century.
- Many Jewish communities were attacked and Jews were murdered as a result.
- Some Jews were given the chance to convert rather than be killed.
- Many Jews chose death rather than betraying their religion.
The Christian persecution of Jews (cont.)
- At the same time, Christians and Muslims were fighting over control of the Holy City of Jerusalem.
- Each religion claimed they had the true religion and therefore the right to Jerusalem.
- As the Christian armies traveled through Europe they often attacked innocent Jewish communities.
- Holy books were burnt and men, women, and children were killed.
- Despite this, Jews rebuilt their communities and continued to play active roles within their communities.
The problems Jews faced
- Jews were forced to live in ghettos and were restricted in their education, their jobs, and when they were permitted to be outside the gates of the ghetto.
- Jews maintained their traditions and way of life even during these difficult times.
- Some Jews converted to Christianity, hoping that this would give them the freedoms and rights they wanted.
Test yourself on The Persecution of the Jews Throughout History
When is the destruction of the Second Temple commemorated by the Jews?
Who was the leader of the Jewish resistance against the Romans?
What Jewish practices did Hadrian ban in Jerusalem?