In the mid-14th century, Brussels was a growing center of commerce and culture in what is now Belgium. However, it was also marked by social and religious strife, particularly against the Jewish population, who were often scapegoated in times of crisis. On May 22, 1370, the tensions boiled over when rumors spread that members of the Jewish community had desecrated the consecrated Host, a significant element of the Catholic faith believed to be the body of Christ. This allegation ignited widespread outrage among the Christian populace.

As a result, a mob formed, leading to violence that resulted in the murder of approximately 13 Jewish individuals. The situation escalated quickly, causing panic within the broader Jewish community. In the aftermath of the massacre, the remaining Jews of Brussels were forcibly expelled from the city, leading to a demographic and cultural shift. This incident did not occur in isolation; it reflected a pattern of persecution that Jewish communities faced during the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe where Jews were often wrongfully accused of various crimes, including desecration and poisonings during famines or plagues.

The expulsion of Jews from Brussels was part of a larger context of anti-Semitic policies across Europe, driven by a combination of economic resentment and religious intolerance. The repercussions of the massacre extended beyond immediate violence; it contributed to the degradation of relationships between Jews and Christians in the region and set a precedent for future persecutions. Communities would take years, if not generations, to recover from the loss of their Jewish members and the elimination of their contributions to society.