Leaving Home

I have never been in another country before, not even in another village. You know how the Russians kept us, Tovah, like prisoners, never permitting us to travel. Russia has not been so bad for you. With money Russia can be very good, even for a Jew. For us it was a prison. - Rifka

Introduction:

For many immigrants, the decision to leave their homeland in search of a better life in America was a difficult one. There were many reasons for wanting to leave, such as better job opportunities, religious freedom, and personal liberty. But there were also many good reasons for wanting to stay, such as friends and family, personal possessions and property, and fear of the unknown. It was a tough choice to make, and it was one that tore many families apart.

Task One:

Why did so many Jewish families leave Russia during the early 1900’s? Explore the provided links to answer the following questions on the response sheet provided by your teacher.

 

 

1. What is a Cossack?

http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/history/A0813711.html

 

2. Pogrom is a Russian term for what?

          c. What happened in Chisnau in 1903?

          d. What affect did these pogroms have on Russian Jews immigrating to the                United States?

          e. If the role of the government is usually to protect its citizens, did the               Russian government fulfill its obligation toward the Jewish citizens? What               does this say about the government’s attitude towards its Jewish citizens?

http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/history/A0839451.html

 

3. What is the difference between emigration and immigration?

http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/society/A0825024.html

http://www.factmonster.com/ipd/A0424256.html

 

4. Anti-semitism is a form of prejudice against who?

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0804272.html

 

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