Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did antisemitism increase during the Black Death?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Medieval illustration of Brotherhood of the Cross flagellants in robes and pointed hats walking in procession, some carrying a crucifix and banners, during the Black Death. — Black Death Flagellants in the Netherlands scourging themselves in atonement, believing that the Black Death is a punishment from God for their sins, 1349.

During the Black Death (1347–1351), antisemitism intensified dramatically across Europe because Jewish communities were baselessly blamed for the spread of the pandemic.12

In a time of extreme fear and mass mortality, these false accusations served as a catalyst for horrific violence. Mobs carried out widespread pogroms, leading to the mass murder of Jewish people, including instances where entire communities were burned at the stake.12

This persecution was fueled by long-standing religious prejudices and social tensions that existed in medieval society, where Jews were already marginalized and frequently targeted by unfounded allegations, such as the blood libel. The scapegoating of Jews during the plague was a profound moral failure, as vulnerable populations were subjected to brutal violence based on irrational fear and bigotry rather than any factual basis.3412