41- The Roman Emperor Gaius Caligula was assassinated, and Shimon Hatzaddik, the Kohain Gadol, heard a bat kol announcing the termination of the emperor's intention to profane the Beit HaMikdash with sculptures of idols. The day is mentioned in Megillat Taanit to be observed as a Yom Tov. Byzantine Emperor Heraclius dies. Among his crimes, he massacred the Jews of Jerusalem, despirte their assistance in helping himconquer the city from the Persians, he forced conversion on North African Jews, and he supported riots against Constantinople Jews.
1095- Emperor Henry IV of Germany issued a charter to the Jews and a decree against forced baptism. He also permitted forcibly baptized Jews to return to Judaism and attempted to protect Jews during the Crusades. He was criticized by the Church for his "liberal" views.
Feb. 20, 1808- Ezekial Hart, (1767-1843), the first Jew elected to Canadian Parliament was denied his seat because he would not be sworn in "on the true faith of a Christian." This first officially introduced anti-Semitism into Canada. Though re-elected in May 1808 and in April 1809, he was prevented from being seated each time. Only in 1832 did legislation pass allowing Jews to hold public office and giving them full civil rights.
Feb. 19, 1941- The Nazis raided the Jewish community of Amsterdam and detained 429 young Jews for deportation.
Feb. 19, 1941- Some 1,100 Jews were deported from their homes in Vienna, to Kielce Poland.
Jan. 23, 1995- The National Commission of Inquiry into the disappearance of Yemenite children between 1948-1954 (the third commission of inquiry in 18 years) was appointed by High Court president Meir Shamgar. Its findings again exonerated the government of all wrongdoing in the disappearance of at least 1,700 children.