The History of the Jews and the Crusades was a part of the history of antisemitism towards the Jews in the Middle Ages. The call for the First Crusade intensified the persecutions of the Jews that would continue with subsequent crusades. Typically the Jews were victims of the Crusaders' violence, with a number of massacres and also hated taking place throughout the course of the Crusades. Background After the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans, the Jewish community was scattered, with many Jews spreading throughout Europe and the Middle East. During this time, several Jewish communities coalesced across the Levant in approximately fifty known locations, including Jerusalem, Tiberias, Ramleh, Ashkelon and Caesarea. Many of these communities fell in the path of the Crusader forces on their mission to capture the Holy Land. One of the primary motivations for attacking Jewish communities may have been to seize wealth and supplies. A Christian priest commenting on the behavior of the Crusaders in the Balkans wrote: First Crusade Massacres of European Jews by Crusaders In the First Crusade, Jewish communities on the Rhine and the Danube were attacked by Crusaders, while others were spared due to the efforts of the Papacy (see German Crusade, 1096). In the Second Crusade (1147) the Jews in France suffered especially. The severity of the massacres was such that word reached Jewish communities in the Middle East, inspiring Messianic fervor. Philip Augustus treated them with exceptional severity during the Third Crusade (1188). The Jews were also subjected to attacks by the Shepherds' Crusades of 1251 and 1320. The attacks were opposed by the local bishops and widely condemned at the time as a violation of the crusades' aims, which were not directed against the Jews. However, the perpetrators mostly escaped legal punishment. The social position of the Jews in western Europe worsened, and legal restrictions increased during and after the crusades. This led to the anti-Jewish legislation of Pope Innocent III. The crusades resulted in centuries of resentment on both sides and constitute a turning point in the relationship between Jews and Christians. Defending the Holy Land Siege of Haifa The Muslims and Jews allied to defend Haifa against the crusaders, holding out in the besieged town for a month (June–July 1099). When the Crusaders breached the citadel, they slaughtered everyone they found, both Jews and Muslims. Siege of Jerusalem Jews again fought together with Muslim