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Destruction Or Conversion By David Malkiel: Article Analysis

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David Malkiel, in his article, Destruction or Conversion: Intention and Reaction, Crusaders, and Jews, in 1096 discusses the interactions between Crusaders and Jews during the First Crusade in 1096. Malkiel analyzes the purposes of the Crusaders towards the Jews, questioning whether their goal was conversion or total destruction. Malkiel also examines the ambition for revenge from the perspective of the Jews and Christians during the Crusades. Malkiel uses Hebrew and Latin chronicles to connect to the interactions between Crusaders and Jews during the First Crusade. These sources show the significance of comparing Jewish and Christian records to know the motives and actions of the Crusaders during this time. Malkiel talks about the recorded …show more content…

Malkiel discusses the absence of clear mention in texts that the attackers set out to change the Jews. (258) The text states that conversion was not a main goal. This evidence struggles with the question about the historical image of the Jews who suffered martyrdom during the Crusades. Malkiel's thesis connects to this evidence by suggesting that the main aim of the Crusaders was mass murder rather than converting. Malkiel discusses the difficulty of the records that went into making the texts. Malkiel was questioning whether the records support the thesis he had in which change was an option for the Jews or if the Crusaders were viewed as murders. (259) This evidence emphasizes the difficulty of historical explanation and the struggles of determining the true historical purpose and motivations. Malkiel s thesis focuses on giving a hinted understanding of the interactions between Crusaders and Jews in 1096, considering the wide context of religious pressures and violence during this time. Malkiel s work on the events of the First Crusade in 1096 and the communication between the Jews and Crusaders raises

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