150 people, almost the entire Jewish community of York, were killed or committed suicide when attacked in York castle by an angry mob on March 16, 1190. This was part of a wave of antisemitic feeling that was sweeping through Europe at that time. The York massacre took place during the preparatory phase of the Third Crusade. Since its beginnings at the end of the eleventh century, the crusade movement carried with it a potential for anti-Jewish violence which intermittently led to pogroms against Jews. Scrolling through the events that happened on this day in history one finds frequent references to the deportation, persecution and slaughter of Jews in various countries.
Gracious God
we pray for all victims of religious persecution especially for the Jewish people, who have been attacked time and time again through history.
We pray that the conflict between Jews and Palestinians in the Holy Land can be ended by an agreement that respects the rights and needs of both sides.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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