The Migration of the Jewish Population at the Turn of the 19th century

Abstract

The modern era in general, and especially 20th century, is known for diversification of the migration phenomenon and a constant increase of the number of migrants. The migratory movement of the Jewish people is probably the best known and traditionally used example of the phenomenon. In the first half of the 19th century, the harsh decrees of the imperial administration against the Jews did not target those in Bessarabia. By 1835, when Bessarabia was gradually beginning to lose its autonomy and Russification actions were multiplying, Russian anti-Jewish laws extended to Bessarabian Jews. These can be considered the premises of a massive migration of the Jewish population to new territories, Palestine, Europe and the two Americas. The article analyzes statistical and historical data to elucidate the process of migration of Jews from Eastern Europe and in detail from Bessarabia.