Jews in the areas of modern-day France were subject to the Crusades and many suffered martyrdom.
Historian Ephraim ben Yaakov (1132-1200) describes Crusaders' massacres of Jews, including the massacre at Blois, where approximately forty Jews were killed following an accusation of ritual murder:
As they were led forth, they were told, 'You can save your lives if you will leave your religion and accept ours.'
The Jews refused.
They were beaten and tortured to make them accept the Christian religion, but still they refused.
Rather, they encouraged each other to remain steadfast and die for the sanctification of God's Name.
Jews in the areas of modern-day France were subject to the Crusades and many suffered martyrdom. Historian Ephraim ben Yaakov (1132-1200) describes Crusaders' massacres of Jews, including the massacre at Blois, where approximately forty Jews were killed following an accusation of ritual murder:
As they were led forth, they were told, 'You can save your lives if you will leave your religion and accept ours.' The Jews refused. They were beaten and tortured to make them accept the Christian religion, but still they refused. Rather, they encouraged each other to remain steadfast and die for the sanctification of God's Name.
Martyrdom in Judaism