Jewish-Muslim Solidarity During the Crusades

As Crusaders swept through Europe and into the Holy Land, Jewish communities braced for slaughter. But in 1099, when Crusader armies stormed Jerusalem, something unexpected happened.

Jewish and Muslim communities, once distant, stood side by side — pushing back against the invaders in a rare moment of shared resistance that offers a powerful counter-narrative to centuries of division.

Big Ideas

1. The Crusades were a Christian mission to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims.
2. On their way to Jerusalem, European Crusaders took time to terrorize Jewish communities.
3. During the Crusaders’ attack on Jerusalem, Jews and Muslims fought alongside one another to defend the city.

Essential Questions

1. Is it possible for Jews and Muslims to get along?
2. How can Holy sites be saved from destruction by malevolent groups?
3. Why are Israel and Jerusalem considered holy by so many people?