On the image and destiny of gentiles in Ashkenazic polemical literature

Abstract

The hostile attitude toward Christian society found in medieval Ashkenazic literature is quite well known, and hardly needs to be demonstrated. Expressions of bitter animosity toward Christianity and its adherents are found throughout this literature, most especially in liturgical poetry, even before the catastrophe of the First Crusade in 1096 .. Israel Yuval has recently argued that these expressions of animosity are not merely reactions to medieval persecutions, but rather are rooted in an ancient, more comprehensive worldview, associated with apocalyptic ideas about the ultimate redemption. 1 However, he admits that the bloody incidents in 1096 certainly made this animosity harsher, and strengthened the Jews' desire for vengeance. 2 The unprecedented attacks and the martyrdom of thousands of Jews became implanted in the collective, long term Ashkenazic consciousness, and they reinforced the feelings of revulsion toward the murderous enemy and his false religion.