Norwich mayor apologies to community for 12th century Jewish blood libel
Dr Kevin Maguire said of the events that led to the deaths of 17 people in 1144; 'Medieval Norwich blamed the Jews and we see the horrendous events that followed'
The Lord mayor of Norwich has apologised to the city’s Jewish community for the religious persecution in the 12th century after false claims about the murder of a boy.
Dr Kevin Maguire referenced the impact the blood libel allegations had on the community after Jews were falsely accused of murdering the 12-year-old, called William, in 1144.
It was England’s first recorded instance of a ‘blood libel’, in which Jews were wrongly accused of murdering Christian boys to use their blood in religious rituals.
He said:” William’s murder is a story for today.
“We apportion blame for any harms and seek to punish those who are not like us; those who do and say things differently to the way that we say or do things.
“Medieval Norwich blamed the Jews and we see the horrendous events that followed.
“Today we see other ‘not like me’ groups turned upon and blamed for shortcomings in society.
“For me, the answer is to say ‘no more’ and to work for Norwich to be free of antisemitism – and to counter the lies told blatantly by those who would wish to foment hate.”
Dr Maguire’s apology came after he was invited to attend a Seder meal during Pesach.
In 2004 the remains of 17 people, including 11 children, were discovered during archaeological digs which were believed to be Jews slaughtered as a result of the blood libel claims.
It had been a medieval monk called Thomas of Monmouth who claimed with no evidence that Jews had slaughtered the 12 year-old boy in a ritualistic killing.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
