The Jews in Switzerland
The authors of Ökumenischen Kirchengeschichte (Ecumenical Church History) assume (p. 66) that there were already Jews within the territory of Switzerland in Roman times. They are referred to in official documents from the 13th century onwards. However, the history of Judaism in Switzerland is not a glorious chapter, especially not for the Church. Whereas Judaism was allowed as a religion by the Romans, and the Jews enjoyed the right of domicile and the freedom to choose an occupation, the Church regarded Jews from early on as being inferior and imposed heavy restrictions on them. There was much polemic written by the Church against the Jews, and the Jews were made scapegoats and had to take the blame, for example for things like the Plague.
During the time of the crusades, it was regarded as praiseworthy for Christians to rob or murder Jews.
In medieval Switzerland, the Jews were tolerated as moneylenders whereas the Church forbade Christians to lend money and charge interest. The Jews were not allowed to practice other professions. This was not altered by the letter of freedom for Jews in the town of Zurich in 1354.
In the 15th century, Jews in Switzerland were at first obliged to wear specially marked clothing (such as the Jewish hat) and later they were forced to leave the country. They were only allowed to stay in a few of the areas where subjects of the confederation were allowed to stay. In the 17th century this led to Jewish enclaves developing in Lengnau and Endingen near Baden. Until well in the 19th century, these were the only places in Switzerland where Jews were allowed to take up residence and establish communities.
Worth a visit:
Jewish Cemetery, Endingen AG