In 1096, as the First Crusade gathered momentum, Crusader forces, spurred by religious fervor and socio-economic pressures, began targeting Jewish communities in various German cities. One of the most significant incidents occurred in Worms, Germany, where around 800 Jews were massacred following a surge of anti-Jewish sentiment. The Crusaders, motivated by their mission to reclaim the Holy Land, did not distinguish between Muslims and Jews and viewed both as obstacles to their divine cause. Local Jews were often scapegoated for the Crusaders' struggles and hardships, which intensified the violence against them.

The events in Worms were part of a wider pattern of violence against Jews in European cities during the First Crusade. Many Jews sought refuge in local churches or with sympathetic nobles, but the protection offered was often inadequate. The situation escalated when a local rabbi, likely influenced by desperation and pleas for safety, encouraged his community to stand firm against the attacking Crusaders, leading to a tragic standoff that resulted in substantial loss of life.

This episode marked a horrific chapter in the history of Jewish communities in Europe, as it set a precedent for future outbreaks of violence against Jews during the Middle Ages. It also highlighted the intense religious zeal and intolerance existing at the time, leading to a marked increase in anti-Semitism across European territories, which would have long-lasting repercussions for centuries to come.