July 1, 1244
Duke Frederick II of Austria, sometimes known as “Frederick the Belligerent” or “Frederick the Warlike,” issues a charter extending rights to Jews. His goal is to build his realm’s economy. The charter encourages Jewish moneylending and Jewish migration to an outlying area.
It also guarantees Jewish safety and protection, stating, “If a Christian should inflict any sort of a wound upon a Jew, the accused shall pay to the duke 12 marks of gold, which are to be turned in to the treasury. He must also pay, to the person who has been injured, 12 marks of silver and the expenses incurred for the medicine needed in his cure.”
Jews had lived in Austria since the 10th century, but because of prolonged periods of insecurity, a significant Jewish community didn’t develop in Austria until the end of the 12th century. The first mention of a synagogue in Vienna was in 1204. Frederick II succeeded his father as duke in 1230. He spent the first years of his reign leading military excursions against neighbors. His aggressive policy led him into conflict with the Holy Roman Empire, but gradually that relationship improved.
His charter is the first instance of a territorial ruler claiming the Jews as his own subjects. It becomes a model for charters extending rights to Jews throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. The charter remains in effect until the Jews are expelled from Austria in 1420.
Read the complete charter at the Fordham University Jewish History Sourcebook.
