Massacre of the Jews of Cologne

Timeline

1. 1096Cologne · RhinelandThe Jewish community learned the crusaders were approaching, and most residents hid in Christian neighbors' homes for shelter. Archbishop Hermann III secretly transferred many Jews to towns and villages outside the diocese. When the crusaders entered the city the next day, the Jewish quarter was already empty.
2. 1096Jewish quarter of Cologne · CologneAfter entering Cologne, the crusaders sacked the Jewish quarter, plundered property, and tore and desecrated Torah scrolls. Isaac and Rebecca, who refused to flee, were killed; Isaac was executed in a church for spitting on the cross. Only a few who remained in the city were killed, but property losses were severe.
3. c. 1096Outskirts of the Cologne diocese · CologneThe crusaders hunted Jewish refugees hiding in scattered places, and many were found and killed. Some Jews chose to drown themselves in the river, reciting the Shema as martyrs. Emicho's band extorted large sums from the Jews before continuing east into Hungary.