The Jews were living in the middle of Christian lands and felt this danger acutely .
A major driving factor behind the choice to commit suicide was the Jewish realisation that upon being slain their children could be taken to be raised as Christians .
The Jews were living in the middle of Christians lands and felt this danger acutely .
A major driving factor behind the choice to commit suicide was the Jewish realisation that upon being slain their children could be taken to be raised as Christians .