Roman Emperor Julius Caesar Rewards the Jews For Rescuing Him and Cleopatra

Pompey dealt harshly with the Jews during his reign. He was remembered as the general who had slain many Jews in his assault on Jerusalem, violating the sanctity of the Holy of Holies and enslaving many Jews afterward. The Jews did not only rally to assist Julius Caesar during the war in Alexandria but gave their support to him wholeheartedly. Julius, in return, showed them abundant favor and his decrees on their behalf, which, fortunately, were recorded by Josephus, have been called the Magna Carta of the Jews. Because of their refusal to bear arms or march due to the sanctity of the Sabbath and their kosher dietary laws, Caesar exempted them from compulsory military service. Special Jewish courts were recognized for Jews to be tried by a Jewish tribunal instead of the regular Roman courts. They enjoyed these special privileges in Rome and across the Empire for more than three centuries, until the rule of the Christian emperors.

Josephus, Antiquities, 14.10.1,5                      

“Julius Caesar made a pillar of brass for the Jews at Alexandria; and declared publicly that they were citizens of Alexandria. … Julius Caesar, consul the fifth time, hath decreed, that the Jews shall possess Jerusalem.”