Lord Mayor of Norwich apologises to Jewish community for first known instance of antisemitic blood libel
The Lord Mayor of Norwich has apologised to the Jewish community for the first known instance of the antisemitic blood libel.
The original antisemitic blood libel dates to 1144 when Jews were falsely accused of the murder of a boy known as William of Norwich.
Following this, accusations of blood libel grew in the Middle Ages, eventually evolving to the point of claiming that Jews murdered Christian children in order to use their blood in Passover rituals. In 1290, it was the pretext for the confiscation of all Jewish property and the complete expulsion of Jews from England. They were not permitted to return until 1655. Blood libel has been responsible for the persecution and killing of Jews ever since.
In the modern era, blood libel continues to be a major aspect of antisemitism. It has extended its reach to accuse Jews of many different forms of harm that can be carried out against other people. Manifestations of blood libel include the accusations that Jews steal human organs, Jews harm the children of non-Jews, or Jews drink or utilise the blood of non-Jews.
According to the International Definition of Antisemitism, “Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g. claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis” is an example of antisemitism.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Kevin Maguire, delivered the apology at a civic Seder to an interfaith audience, stating: “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.”
Cllr Maguire asked for forgiveness and made a “very personal apology to all Jews who continue to suffer because of the past actions of our citizens and their accusation of the blood libel.”
He added: “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.”
Image credit: Norwich City Council
