" In fact, the support of the burghers was critical to the slaughter of the Jews in Mainz, for they unlocked the city gates for the crusaders. Despite the fact that the fortifications around the Jewish population could only protect them so much, no where in Speyer's decree does it say that others would come to their aid in another situation like Mainz. A paper signed by the Bishop can only offer so much protection in times of violence and unrest.

From 300 A.D. On as Christianity became the prevailing religion, non-Christians were often murdered with shouts of "To the gallows with the Iscariot!" Jews, due to their very different appearance and lifestyle were easy to recognize and persecute. In addition, people were jealous they saw Jews who were comparatively more wealthy and educated. Further, the Jews refused to accept Christianity, which added to the fire. The Church aggravated the situation by pointing them out as nonbelievers. From time to time during the Middle Ages, Jewish populations lost their rights and possessions. Even when people were not allowed to seize their property, they were not part of the everyday population but secluded as noted in the decree above.

In fact in 1096 A.D., at the beginning of the Crusades, one of the worst massacres of the times developed out of mob violence. Although not everyone wanted the Jews to be put to death if it could be avoided, the leading crusaders enforced baptism, instead. If and when Jews refused, they were seen as an offense to God and killed. Even if accepting baptism, they were...

Who could trust the spawn of the devil? The Church, worried that the Jews' non-acceptance of Christianity would encourage doubts about Christian doctrine, began preaching anti-Jewish sermons. As time went on, the massacres and hatred increased as Jews were forced to wear special badges and only live in designated areas.
The massacres began in France, but the largest slaughter took place in the Rhineland with the majority of Jewish residents killed. Some attempted to defend themselves, but they were poorly armed and completely outnumbered. Many committed suicide rather than being baptized. Jewish parents killed their children instead of having them fall to the mob. One source states that from January to July of 1096, some 10,000 Jews died.

Individuals such as the Bishop of Speyer probably had good intentions and saw this as a way to protect the Jews. However, he was adding fuel to the anti-Semitic beliefs by placing an emphasis on their money lending, purchase of gold, and right to slaughter and sell to the Christians. Even though trying to protect the Jews by separating them from the other citizens, it was as if something was wrong with them. As a quote from Robert Burns in "To a Mouse" states: "The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men

Gang aft agley" ("The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry").

Reference Cited.

Mainz Anonymous" (1977) in Shlomo Eidelberg, The Jews and the Crusaders: The Hebrew Cronicles of the First and Second Crusades. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, p.100.