Chapter 11- the exodus from Russia A Different mirror Chapter 11- the exodus from Russia Ighor Tavares

The history of Russian Jews -Government officials encouraged acts of violence against Jews in Russia. -Pogroms : large-scale, targeted, and repeated anti-Jewish rioting. They would kill Jews and destroy their business. “Russia was not their homeland and that a true home must be found for Jews. But where?” – Cahan, Abraham

Why come to America? Russian Jews began their migration to America during the 1880s Because they were persecuted in their homeland, they wanted to go to a better place. Jewish girls received letter from America describing astonishing high wages. America offered educational opportunities America was a symbol of hope and opportunities. “America became the Promise Land”

The struggle is real Jewish immigrants were a highly select group. By 1905, the “new” Jewish community in New York’s Lower East Side had a population of a half million Jews. The colony became a ghetto. Poor housing, lack of hygiene, lack of sanitation, etc. Apartments would smell bad and was packed with people. Get involved in American Culture. MONEY, MONEY AND MORE MONEY!

мы идем {my idem} (we are coming) Gradually, many Jewish newcomers from Russian became contractors and manufacturers themselves. The Jewish garment makers had great impact in America’s industrial activity. German and Russian Jewish garment makers revolutionized the way clothes were made and what American wore. They dominated the market. Over one-third of the garment industry’s workforce in 1910. Accidents and Strikes.

American “purification” Purification was a process of learning American ways. For them, to become American meant to acquire “ civility.” “Price of Admission:” they had to give up certain customs and cultural traits that were tied to their ethnicity. ( Cultural conflict ) Good English was a requirement for assimilation. You speak English? You are “superior.” The quest to become an American made them to name change. For example: Jacobson to Jackson Stepinsky to Stevens

The beginning of “no” In 1920s, Harvard University president announced college had an “Jewish problem.” Harvard added new admissions and criteria making more difficult for Jews to enter. Jews were picked out based on their family names (before changes) and their “facial features.” Conclusion? Jewish admissions to Harvard declined. Job listings also specified “Christians only.”

Thoughts Seek your Dreams. Different culture = different ideas. (clothes) How immigration worked back then comparing to today. Success = Hated.

The end Конец הסוף