Vienna was home to many influential Jews, including Sigmund Freud, Theodor Herzl, Gustav Mahler, Martin Buber and Arthur Schnitzler.
Jewish history with Vienna is mixed, ranging from prosperity to persecution. Jews first arrived in Vienna in the late 12th century. The first Jew known by name is Shlom (Solomon), mintmaster and financial adviser to Duke Leopold V. The community possessed a synagogue at the time and Jews owned houses in the city. In 1196, Shlom and 15 other Jews were murdered by Christians from the Third Crusade. A charter of privileges was granted by Emperor Frederick II in 1238, which gave the Jewish community extensive autonomy.
In March 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. This event came to be known as the Anschluss. Following the annexation, Jews were chased through the streets and forced to scrub sidewalks. Jewish stores and apartments were pillaged. The Social Democratic party was crushed and thousands of Austrians who opposed Nazi rule were deported to concentration camps and murdered.