Jewish immigrants in Scotland

1870 After 1870s that Jewish migration reached significant levels. Estimated 300 Jews in Glasgow in 1883. Number increased between 1881 and 1939 due to persecution of the Jews in eastern Europe. Fleeing anti Semitic approaches by the Russians and Nazi Germany.

Settlement Many Jewish did not want to settle in Scotland and used it as an area to stay before crossing to USA. First Jews came from Germany and Holland. Later they came from Russia, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. (Map in booklet.)

The Gorbals 1891. 2,000 Jews in Glasgow. 1901, 7,000. 1914, 10,000. Majority lived in the Gorbals, making up 90 per cent of the Jewish community. Gorbals attracted Jews for several reasons; cheap accommodation, close to railways and shipping of Clyde. Became religion, culture, charity and education area for Jews.

Gorbals Two synagogues Talmud Torah school for religious education. Zionist Reading Room. 1879-Garnethill synagogue. Talmud Torah was main provider of Jewish education. 1899 it had 400 pupils. 1908 it had changed from Yiddish to English.

Moving Eventually the Jews moved from the Gorbals to richer suburbs in Govanhill, Battlefield and Shawlands. Jewish institute, Jewish Board of Guardians, synagogues, Jewish bakers, butchers and grocery stores remained in the Gorbals.

Jewish communities Jewish community supported each other. Organisations created to help the Jews who lived in poverty. Organisations were successful and despite Jewish immigrants living in poverty, there were few in poorhouses.

Self Help Jewish friendly societies in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Aid such as English Language classes. Glasgow Hebrew Benevolent Loan Society founded in 1888. Jewish refugee shelters set up in 1897. (Provide accommodation for newcomers.

Divides New arrivals were poor. Eastern European arrivals spoke little or no English. Tension between two groups. Describe Compare How fully

Jewish Employment Films, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ portrayed Jews from the East as poor peasant farmers. Most came from towns and cities and were highly skilled. Huge role in cigarette trade. Best businesses were Jewish owned; Frutins in theatre and entertainments. Peddling to mining communities.

Medical Profession 1920s, many Jews entered this profession. Three dozen Jewish medical students. Legal profession, Louis Ashenheim and Asher Asher in Glasgow

Jewish Shops Many Jewish retailers. Clydesdale Supply Co cycle and Abraham Links. Abraham Links leading figure in Jewish community. No real desire to compete with the Irish and Lithuanians for menial work. Some degree of problems for gaining employment.

Jews and Politics Heavily involved in politics. Active in the ILP (Independent Labour Party) and Socialist Labour Party. Bolshevik revolution inspired new groups. Labour party received massive support. Aided Jewish refugees from Germany and boycotted German goods.

Jewish politicians Michael Simons Leading member of Garthill community and director of a major fruit importing business. Elected as Bailie in 1880s and it is believed that he helped the Jewish community. Emmanuel Shinwell (Manny) Clydesiders, government minister and later became Baron Shinwell in 1970. Elected ILP MP for Linlithgow, and held office under Clement Attlee.

Anti Semitism Very little in Scotland bar the exception at school. Dr William Kenefick, ‘less prejudice against Jews as a by product’. 1920s, assimilation.. Yiddish dying. 1928, only the Jewish Echo remained and was published in English. British Union of Fascists in 1930s very anti-Jewish.

Anti Semitism Alec Bernestein sources state…...

Before WW1 Landlords unwilling to let accommodation to Jewish families and that Jewish housing conditions were better than those of their neighbours. Jews criticised for violating the Christian Sabbath. How useful question. How fully page 73.

How far question.