Jews were never kicked out of 109 countries over 1030 times throughout history.
To debunk that meme, and go through the What, When and Why of it all, we might need at least 109 posts, however.
A historical thread.
To debunk that meme, and go through the What, When and Why of it all, we might need at least 109 posts, however.
A historical thread.
The truth is that we could simply begin by pointing out that those lists are not accurate. Not only do they usually duplicate countries (France is often listed 3+ times) but they also list cities/locales as nations (Mainz by itself instead as a country instead of city in Germany)
So while this is untrue, and we're gonna see that the number of nations Jews were expelled is far lower than 109, it would be true that if you were to tally all of the places that Jews were kicked out of, it could tally over a thousand. But, here's why:
Jews, for example, when expelled, were often forced to go to a next town, where they would immediately be told they were not allowed to stay, and so on and so forth, until they found a place they could settle. So, being kicked out of one town turns into 10 different instances...
It would be ludicrous to say 'Jews did something wrong 10 times!' Even if you were to say that Jews deserved to be kicked out in the first place (and we weren't, but more on that later), that would mean 90% of those instances we were blameless.
Not a great point for antisemites.
Not a great point for antisemites.
So, to recap: Towns, cities, city-states, provinces are all counted as nations, are often doubled and tripled, and one single expulsion is often counted as multiple events as Jews had to wander from town to town.
So, not 109 countries, and not 1030 times.
So, not 109 countries, and not 1030 times.
It doesn't stop there, however. Even in their own lists, many of the "expulsions" are not actual expulsions. They list the Holocaust as an expulsion, for example. They also list instances of persecution where the Jews were not forced out were counted as such.
And, of course, they also simply make up events entirely.
But what about the real expulsions? Jews have been, historically, known to be victims of expulsion and being forced to wander from country to country. When and why did that happen?
Let's revisit history:
But what about the real expulsions? Jews have been, historically, known to be victims of expulsion and being forced to wander from country to country. When and why did that happen?
Let's revisit history:
1. The first expulsion (733-722 BCE)
The Assyrians conquered the land of Israel and deported Jews as war captives in order to prevent them from rebelling and trying to achieve independence.
The Assyrians conquered the land of Israel and deported Jews as war captives in order to prevent them from rebelling and trying to achieve independence.
2. The second expulsion (597-586 BCE)
The Babylonians conquered the land of Israel and deported Jews as war captives in order to prevent them from rebelling and trying to achieve independence.
The Babylonians conquered the land of Israel and deported Jews as war captives in order to prevent them from rebelling and trying to achieve independence.
3. The first Roman expulsion (139 BCE)
We know some Jews were sent out of Rome after being accused of proselytizing Romans and trying to conquer them to Judaism.
I guess you could blame this one on the Jews if you wanted to.
We know some Jews were sent out of Rome after being accused of proselytizing Romans and trying to conquer them to Judaism.
I guess you could blame this one on the Jews if you wanted to.
4. The second Roman expulsion (19 CE)
At least 4,000 Jews were forced into conscription out of Rome/the Italian peninsula after Emperor Tiberius accused them of having 'foreign superstitions' and not following Roman religion.
Egyptians in Rome suffered the same fate too.
At least 4,000 Jews were forced into conscription out of Rome/the Italian peninsula after Emperor Tiberius accused them of having 'foreign superstitions' and not following Roman religion.
Egyptians in Rome suffered the same fate too.
5. The third Roman expulsion (41-53 CE)
Emperor Claudius expels the Jews from the city of Rome over disturbances. According to Roman historians, it was clashes between Jews and early members of the Church) but modern historians do not have a consensus.
Emperor Claudius expels the Jews from the city of Rome over disturbances. According to Roman historians, it was clashes between Jews and early members of the Church) but modern historians do not have a consensus.
6. Expulsion from Judea (73 CE)
Post First Jewish-Roman War. Hundreds of thousands were enslaved and displaced after the failure to reclaim independence from under the Romans.
Post First Jewish-Roman War. Hundreds of thousands were enslaved and displaced after the failure to reclaim independence from under the Romans.
7. Egypt, Cyprus and Cyrenaica Expulsions (117 CE)
Another revolt against Roman rule; most Jews living there are annihilated, while the rest are driven out as a consequence of the failed revolt.
Another revolt against Roman rule; most Jews living there are annihilated, while the rest are driven out as a consequence of the failed revolt.
8. Second Expulsion from Judea (135 CE)
After the Bar Kochva Rebellion failed and more than half a million Jews were killed, almost all those left alive were either enslaved or sent out, and all Jews were forbidden from living in Jerusalem. Once again, it was about Roman rule.
After the Bar Kochva Rebellion failed and more than half a million Jews were killed, almost all those left alive were either enslaved or sent out, and all Jews were forbidden from living in Jerusalem. Once again, it was about Roman rule.
9. Expulsion from Alexandria (415 CE)
Patriarch Cyril incites the mob against Jews. First pogrom in history. After the massacre, the surviving Jews are sent out of Alexandria.
So, religious persecution.
Patriarch Cyril incites the mob against Jews. First pogrom in history. After the massacre, the surviving Jews are sent out of Alexandria.
So, religious persecution.
10. Expulsion from Visigoth Spain (612-613 CE)
King Sisebut ordered the Jews to either convert or leave in exile. Wanted to eliminate Judaism from Visigothic society. Many Jews were forcibly baptized.
So, religious persecution.
King Sisebut ordered the Jews to either convert or leave in exile. Wanted to eliminate Judaism from Visigothic society. Many Jews were forcibly baptized.
So, religious persecution.
11. Expulsion from the Frankish Kingdom (629 CE)
King Dagobert the First expels all of the Jews who refuse baptism from all Frankish lands per Church policy after the Kingdom converts.
So, religious persecution.
King Dagobert the First expels all of the Jews who refuse baptism from all Frankish lands per Church policy after the Kingdom converts.
So, religious persecution.
12. Expulsion from the Galilee (629 CE)
The Jews revolt against the horrible conditions under the Byzantine empire. After a large massacre, the remainder of the population is expelled as a result of their rebellion.
The Jews revolt against the horrible conditions under the Byzantine empire. After a large massacre, the remainder of the population is expelled as a result of their rebellion.
13. Expulsion from Medina (7th century CE)
Multiple tribes are expelled or massacred for being part of alliances against Mohammed or refusing to acquiesce to his rule.
So, religious persecution.
Multiple tribes are expelled or massacred for being part of alliances against Mohammed or refusing to acquiesce to his rule.
So, religious persecution.
14. Expulsion from Mainz (1012 CE)
Emperor Henry the Second expels the Jews from Mainz after multiple explosions of violence. Historians debate whether it was to curry favor with the church or as the result of anti-Jewish agitation.
Either way, religious persecution.
Emperor Henry the Second expels the Jews from Mainz after multiple explosions of violence. Historians debate whether it was to curry favor with the church or as the result of anti-Jewish agitation.
Either way, religious persecution.
15. Expulsion from Europe & Middle-East (1095-1291 CE)
The Crusades. I don't think I need to elaborate.
Religious persecution.
The Crusades. I don't think I need to elaborate.
Religious persecution.
16. The First Expulsion from France (1182 CE)
King Philip the Second expels the Jews from France and seizes all their properties. He owed a lot of money to Jews, and that was his debt management program. So did the Church, who encouraged him.
Religious & financial persecution.
King Philip the Second expels the Jews from France and seizes all their properties. He owed a lot of money to Jews, and that was his debt management program. So did the Church, who encouraged him.
Religious & financial persecution.
17. Another Expulsion from Spain (Mid-12th Century CE)
Offered a choice of either forced conversion or expulsion. Most Jews choose exile.
Religious persecution.
Offered a choice of either forced conversion or expulsion. Most Jews choose exile.
Religious persecution.
18. Another Expulsion from France (1254 CE)
Would you guess it, the rulers got in debt and decided kicking out the Jews would bee better than paying what they owed.
Would you guess it, the rulers got in debt and decided kicking out the Jews would bee better than paying what they owed.
19. The Expulsion from England (1290 CE)
King Edward the First expels all of the Jews after heavily taxing and financially draining the Jewish community, and to appease the very anti-Jewish English clergy.
Religious & Financial persecution.
King Edward the First expels all of the Jews after heavily taxing and financially draining the Jewish community, and to appease the very anti-Jewish English clergy.
Religious & Financial persecution.
20. Yet Another French Expulsion (1306 CE)
Did you guess it was the King getting in debts and kicking the Jews out because he didn't want to pay back? Well, he also did it so he could seize all their property and appease public antisemitism.
So, both religious and financial.
Did you guess it was the King getting in debts and kicking the Jews out because he didn't want to pay back? Well, he also did it so he could seize all their property and appease public antisemitism.
So, both religious and financial.
21. Yet Yet Another French Expulsion (1322 CE)
Charles VI expels the Jews. This one has nothing to do with money; it was purely due to religious antisemitism!
Congrats on keeping your finances in the black, Charles!
Charles VI expels the Jews. This one has nothing to do with money; it was purely due to religious antisemitism!
Congrats on keeping your finances in the black, Charles!
22. Expulsions from Central Europe (1348-1350 CE)
Black Death plague happens. Jews are massacred and then expelled from almost all of their major communities.
Turns out it was easier to accuse Jews of poisoning well than washing your hands regularly.
Black Death plague happens. Jews are massacred and then expelled from almost all of their major communities.
Turns out it was easier to accuse Jews of poisoning well than washing your hands regularly.
23. Yet Yet Yet Another Expulsion From France (1359 CE)
The French Kings really struggle with their finances. Sacrebleu!
The French Kings really struggle with their finances. Sacrebleu!
24. Yet Yet Yet Yet Another Expulsion from France (1392 CE)
King Charles VI feels like Jews haven't been kicked out of France enough, and decides that it's time to just expel all non-Catholics from France. Bon voyage!
Religious persecution.
King Charles VI feels like Jews haven't been kicked out of France enough, and decides that it's time to just expel all non-Catholics from France. Bon voyage!
Religious persecution.
25. Expulsion from Austria (1421 CE)
Duke Albrecht V imprisons the Jews of Vienna, burns 92 at the stake and expels the rest from Austria after accusations that Jews kidnapped and tortured a host wafer.
He happens to seize all Jewish wealth and properties at the same time.
Duke Albrecht V imprisons the Jews of Vienna, burns 92 at the stake and expels the rest from Austria after accusations that Jews kidnapped and tortured a host wafer.
He happens to seize all Jewish wealth and properties at the same time.
26. Expulsions from Germany (1420-1442 CE)
Jews are kicked out from many cities, most notably Cologne, Zurich, Mainz and Augsburg. Usually a mix of artisan guilds complaining about competition, religious persecution, and complains about moneylending.
Jews are kicked out from many cities, most notably Cologne, Zurich, Mainz and Augsburg. Usually a mix of artisan guilds complaining about competition, religious persecution, and complains about moneylending.
27. The Expulsion of Jews from Spain (1492 CE)
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella decree that the Jews must either convert, or leave in exile.
By far one of the largest historically, and pure religious persecution.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella decree that the Jews must either convert, or leave in exile.
By far one of the largest historically, and pure religious persecution.
28. Expulsion from Lithuania (1495 CE)
Grand Duke Alexander Jagiellon expels the Jews from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania under pressure from the Catholic church and mirror the anti-Jewish policies from Poland.
Grand Duke Alexander Jagiellon expels the Jews from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania under pressure from the Catholic church and mirror the anti-Jewish policies from Poland.
29. Expulsion from Portugal (1496-1497 CE)
King Manuel I orders the expulsion of Jews after he makes an alliance by marriage with Spain. Instead of allowing the Jews to leave freely, instead he forcibly converts most under the threat of death, especially the children.
King Manuel I orders the expulsion of Jews after he makes an alliance by marriage with Spain. Instead of allowing the Jews to leave freely, instead he forcibly converts most under the threat of death, especially the children.
30. Expulsion from Brandenburg (1510 CE)
Elector Joachim the First expels the Jews from his territory after a false allegation that Jews desecrated a host wafer.
Elector Joachim the First expels the Jews from his territory after a false allegation that Jews desecrated a host wafer.
31. Expulsions from Italian and German states (1516-1519 CE)
After the Emperor's death, the Jews of Regensburg are expelled. Genoa and Wurttemberg later follow through. Mostly had to do with commerce-related complaints from artisans wanting monopoly.
After the Emperor's death, the Jews of Regensburg are expelled. Genoa and Wurttemberg later follow through. Mostly had to do with commerce-related complaints from artisans wanting monopoly.
32. Expulsions from Prague and Bohemia (1542 CE)
King Ferdinand the First expels Jews during the Ottoman-Hasburg wars, as he accuses the Jews of collaborating with the Ottoman.
Nothing to do with the fact that he owed them astronomic sums of money and no way to pay, of course.
King Ferdinand the First expels Jews during the Ottoman-Hasburg wars, as he accuses the Jews of collaborating with the Ottoman.
Nothing to do with the fact that he owed them astronomic sums of money and no way to pay, of course.
33. Expulsion from Bavaria (1551 CE)
Duke Albert V was a Counter-Reformation Catholic and expels the Jews as part of Church canon law.
Of course, he has no choice but to seize all Jewish assets he can before they are forced to leave.
Duke Albert V was a Counter-Reformation Catholic and expels the Jews as part of Church canon law.
Of course, he has no choice but to seize all Jewish assets he can before they are forced to leave.
34. Expulsion from Papal States (1569 CE)
Pope Pius V issues an edict that expels Jews from the Papal States. He just really hated Jews and implemented what was called the idea of total Catholic purity.
Religious persecution.
Pope Pius V issues an edict that expels Jews from the Papal States. He just really hated Jews and implemented what was called the idea of total Catholic purity.
Religious persecution.
35. Expulsions from Habsburg lands and Italy (1569 CE)
Archduke Ferdinand the Second expels Jews from his lands, as do Italy's Lombardy under Spanish rule. As a result of the Counter-Reformation (and of course, they confiscated all Jewish property)
Archduke Ferdinand the Second expels Jews from his lands, as do Italy's Lombardy under Spanish rule. As a result of the Counter-Reformation (and of course, they confiscated all Jewish property)
36. Expulsion from Frankfurt (1614 CE)
The Fettmilch Uprising, named after Guild leader Vincent Fettmilch who led Frankfurt's inhabitants to attack and expel the Jews. Religious persecution, and, quite coincidentally, the leaders of the uprising all had heavy debts owed to Jews.
The Fettmilch Uprising, named after Guild leader Vincent Fettmilch who led Frankfurt's inhabitants to attack and expel the Jews. Religious persecution, and, quite coincidentally, the leaders of the uprising all had heavy debts owed to Jews.
37. The Expulsion from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1648-1649 CE)
The Khmelnystsky Massacres. Tach v'tet. Tens of thousands of Jews are slaughtered and Jews are forced to flee. No expulsion as much as it's either flee or die.
Jews are attacked instead of Polish nobles.
The Khmelnystsky Massacres. Tach v'tet. Tens of thousands of Jews are slaughtered and Jews are forced to flee. No expulsion as much as it's either flee or die.
Jews are attacked instead of Polish nobles.
38. Expulsion from Imperial Russia (1727 CE)
Empress Catherine the First of Russia expels the Jews from all of the territories under her control. The Orthodox Church was very jealous of the Catholic Church and decided it was their turn to expel the few Jews who lived in Russia.
Empress Catherine the First of Russia expels the Jews from all of the territories under her control. The Orthodox Church was very jealous of the Catholic Church and decided it was their turn to expel the few Jews who lived in Russia.
39. Expulsions from Bohemia, Moravia and Hungary (1744-1752; sporadically until the 1790s CE)
Empress Maria Theresa orders the expulsion of Jews as part of wartime scapegoating and as an attempt to centralize the economy under her rule. Reverses herself, then re-reverses herself
Empress Maria Theresa orders the expulsion of Jews as part of wartime scapegoating and as an attempt to centralize the economy under her rule. Reverses herself, then re-reverses herself
40. Expulsions from the American South (1862 CE)
General Ulysses S. Grant issues General Orders No. 11 expelling Jews from his war zone. The order is rescinded a month later. Grant apologizes and recognizes he was misled.
General Ulysses S. Grant issues General Orders No. 11 expelling Jews from his war zone. The order is rescinded a month later. Grant apologizes and recognizes he was misled.
41. Expulsion from the Russian Empire (1881-1884 CE)
After the assassination of Tsar Alexander the Second, brutal pogroms kill scores of Jews across Russia, and Jews are forced into the Pale of Settlement.
Jews had nothing to do with the assassination at all.
After the assassination of Tsar Alexander the Second, brutal pogroms kill scores of Jews across Russia, and Jews are forced into the Pale of Settlement.
Jews had nothing to do with the assassination at all.
42. Expulsion from Moscow (1891 CE)
Tsar Alexander the Third expels Jews from Moscow and forces them to move to the Pale of Settlement was well as part of his Russification Campaign in the Empire. Economic concerns underlie his decision.
Tsar Alexander the Third expels Jews from Moscow and forces them to move to the Pale of Settlement was well as part of his Russification Campaign in the Empire. Economic concerns underlie his decision.
43. Expulsion from the Eastern Front (1915 CE)
The Russian military deported and expelled over 600,000 Jews from Poland, Lithuania and Latvia deeper into Russia out of mistrust and antisemitism.
The Russian military deported and expelled over 600,000 Jews from Poland, Lithuania and Latvia deeper into Russia out of mistrust and antisemitism.
44. Expulsions from Europe (1933-1945)
Nothing to add.
Nothing to add.
45. Expulsions from the Middle-East and North Africa (1948-1967 CE)
As a reaction to Israel's creation and victory during the 1948 war, Arab mobs riots and murder scores of Jews throughout the MENA, leading to more than 900,000 Jews expelled or having to flee from persecution.
As a reaction to Israel's creation and victory during the 1948 war, Arab mobs riots and murder scores of Jews throughout the MENA, leading to more than 900,000 Jews expelled or having to flee from persecution.
So, all in all, Jews were expelled from between 30-35 countries depending on your count, over 45 different instances throughout history, and not at all because of 'Jewish misbehavior' as lists like to baselessly point out.
The biggest indicator that this list is simply ridiculous is that you had Jewish communities who were literally established for thousands of years who were either neither ever expelled, or it happened as a result of modern political developments happening elsewhere.
I doubt that this will change the mind of any antisemite; they scant care for facts or accuracy.
But, hopefully, this will arm the people who do care so that whenever they encounter this argument next, they can point out to this thread for all to see.
But, hopefully, this will arm the people who do care so that whenever they encounter this argument next, they can point out to this thread for all to see.
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