More than a thousand of them had marked themselves with their impure sign [the cross], intending to kill us and seize our possessions. Yet the elder emperor [Frederick I] and his son, the young king [Henry VI], continually spoke favorably concerning the Jews. The enemies therefore turned back and returned home in shame.

On the Sabbath when the portion Ha-Hodesh was read, the crusaders gathered in our streets to provoke and attack us. One of them rose and struck with his hand, seeking to kill a Jew. The imperial marshal came, and the Jews presented their complaint to the young king. The assailant was seized and beaten with a staff until his blood flowed to the ground.

The others fled to the marketplace and told their companions what had been done to them on account of the Jews. Thousands and tens of thousands assembled, intending to seize everything and enter our streets. When the report reached the imperial marshal, he took his servants with him and shouted in a loud voice until the entire crowd dispersed. We had been in danger as great as death.

The princes then issued a public proclamation and placed the matter under solemn ban, saying: “The Jews are beloved in the eyes of the emperor. Whoever harms them shall henceforth be considered a sinner and an object of disgrace forever.” We received all this through the mercy of God and for the sake of his great name, blessed forever.

On Tuesday, terms of peace for the Jews were proclaimed. Whoever struck a Jew and wounded him would have his hand cut off, and whoever killed a Jew would himself be put to death. The appointed officials placed under ban anyone who stretched out his hand against the Jews. Written and spoken orders were sent commanding that the Jews be guarded with greater care than before, although all this had to be purchased at full price.

The generous Rabbi Moses ha-Kohen spoke with the emperor, who placed his seal upon a document establishing peace and protection for the Jews. We departed from Münzenberg on the twenty-sixth day of Nisan. After we had travelled a league and a half, hundreds came against us with their crosses and their garments, striking the wagons, but the Lord delivered us.