"Before “fake news” gained traction in the modern day, the #Damascus #BloodLibel became a clear example of the damage that could be done. On February 5, 1840, a Capuchin monk, Father Thomas, and his Muslim servant disappeared mysteriously. Their disappearance fueled the fire for a false and malicious rumor quickly spread, alleging that the city’s #Jews had #kidnapped and #murdered them to use their blood for baking #Passover #matzah.
The #French consul in Damascus at the time was known for his #antisemitic views and took the opportunity to take the allegations and formally accuse the #Jewish community of ritual murder. This led to severe repercussions — Jewish leaders were #arrested, subjected to brutal #torture, and many were coerced into giving #falseconfessions. The wave of persecution shocked the global Jewish community, triggering an unprecedented international effort to intervene on behalf of Damascus #Jewry."
Elbows Up! 
