The False Prophecy That Misled Thousands: Who Was David Alroy?

Around the year 1150, an impressive and charismatic figure, knowledgeable in Torah and wisdom, appeared in the Jewish communities of Azerbaijan. Introducing himself as David Alroy, he claimed to be the messiah. The Jewish community, primarily farmers distanced from major Jewish centers, were easily swayed by him. They gathered around him as he encouraged rebellion against the ruling Abbasid Caliphate and proposed a journey to Jerusalem. Fortunately for these Jews, the authorities identified the threat and expelled him from the region.

Alroy was born in Baghdad as Menachem Alroy. He studied Torah in the renowned Babylonian yeshivas and was a student of the Exilarch. Later, he continued his studies at the Yeshiva of Gaon Yaakov in Israel under Rabbi Ali. His knowledge and talent led to a conceited belief that he could redeem Israel and overthrow the vast Abbasid Empire. Symbolically changing his name to David, to mirror King David, he embarked on his redemptive mission... Engraved on his banner was what we now call the "Star of David," and some believe he was the first to use it.

Alroy continued to travel through Babylon, preaching rebellion, leading the Sultan to order his imprisonment in a secure fortification. Yet, astonishingly, Alroy escaped, continuing his activities unfettered. His followers attributed his escape to mystical powers. Critics claimed it was sorcery and dark forces. Regardless of the method, his influence grew until the authorities cleverly eliminated him. An agent met with Alroy, drinking wine until he was inebriated, then killed him and fled. The Sultan remained angry with the Jews, discontented with their perceived inaction, and imposed a large tax on them.

But as with many false messiahs, death did not end the story. His followers continued to await his revelation and redemption. Furthermore, swindlers took advantage of his naive devotees, as a contemporary writer recounts: "When news of him reached Baghdad, two con artists, elderly men, wrote letters in the name of Menachem to the Jews of Baghdad, heralding forthcoming redemption, prompting all to gather one night for a miraculous flight to Jerusalem. The Jews of Baghdad believed these men, and their wives gave them their wealth and jewelry to distribute as they saw fit, causing a significant portion of their property to be donated."

"They prepared green garments and gathered on the rooftops that night, waiting for angels to carry them to Jerusalem, as mothers feared, tearfully, that they might fly away before their infants or vice versa, risking the children’s starvation."

"All night, the Jews tried to fly until dawn broke. Then they realized they had been fooled and turned to mockery... The Jews chose not to publicize the incident but dubbed that year 'The Year of Flight'..."

As in many instances throughout history, it is important to be wary of false messianism, which begins with hope and ends in disaster.