Historical Parallel

The history of Jewish immigration from Russia to the USA knows two major periods. The first occurred at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century when about one and a half million Jews fled from pogroms and poverty in the Russian Empire. About 70% of them settled in New York, and their descendants today make up a significant part of the “native” American Jewry. The situation is much reminiscent of Israel, where the descendants of the first waves of Aliyah from the Russian Empire have long become part of the “native” Israeli society and do not consider themselves part of the modern Russian-speaking street.

The second period began a century later when Soviet Jews were allowed to leave the USSR. This “new” Russian-speaking community will be the focus of our discussion.

How the Modern Community Was Formed

The history of the mass migration of Soviet Jews to the USA began in the 1970s when the Soviet government first allowed some Jews to emigrate under the pretext of family reunification. The second, even more powerful wave, occurred in the 1990s when the Soviet Union collapsed. The USA became the second destination after Israel for this historic exodus.

How Many of Us?

Today, between 750,000 and one million Russian-speaking Jews of the new wave live in the USA. About half of them have settled in New York and New Jersey. Large communities also exist in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Boston. The presence of Russian-speaking Jews is especially noticeable in Brooklyn, on the famous Brighton Beach, and in Queens.

Why Are We So Special?

The main difference between modern “Russian” Jews and American Jews (including the descendants of that first wave of immigration) lies in the understanding of the essence of Judaism itself. For those from the USSR, being Jewish means belonging to a certain nationality, an ethnic group. American Jews, on the other hand, perceive Judaism primarily through the prism of religion or, as they often say, “culture.” This difference has deep historical roots. In the USSR, all forms of Jewish religious education were destroyed by the end of the 1940s, and citizens were expected to adopt an atheistic worldview. At the same time, the state paradoxically emphasized people’s ethnic affiliation. In the USA, on the contrary, religion has always played an important role in society, and Jewish identity has become closely intertwined with religious practice.

A History of Misunderstanding

These differences led to a certain alienation between “Russian” and American Jews. Faced with a strong religious component in American Jewish education, many Russian-speaking parents chose alternative schools for their children, where academic achievements were valued more than religious upbringing.

As a result, “Russian” Jews found themselves outside the traditional communal life of American Jewry. And the American Jewish elite itself was not quick to accept the “strange” Russian-speaking newcomers into its ranks. Mutual misunderstanding, sometimes even snobbery, led to the formation of two parallel Jewish communities.

Despite these difficulties, many Russian-speaking Jews have achieved impressive success in the USA. Just recall Google’s creator Sergey Brin, WhatsApp’s founder Jan Koum, and PayPal’s creator Max Levchin. Their achievements are a source of pride for the entire community.

Political Choice

Interestingly, politically, Russian-speaking Jews often diverge from the general Jewish electorate in the USA. While the majority of American Jews traditionally support Democrats (for example, 77% voted for the Democratic candidate in the last elections), “Russian” Jews are more likely to sympathize with Republicans. The reasons are clear: negative experiences living under socialism, support for a tough pro-Israel policy, conservative family values.

Time for Change

Today, the situation is gradually changing. The new generation of Russian-speaking Jews, raised in the USA, feels more confident in synagogues and Jewish organizations. There are more and more independent Russian-speaking Jewish projects. In New York, Russian-speaking communities operate, educational programs are held, and cultural events are organized.

Leaders of both communities realize: in an era of increasing assimilation, division can be destructive. It’s time to unite forces to preserve common Jewish values and support Israel. Perhaps now, when the first generation of new immigrants has already established itself, and their children have seamlessly integrated into American society, it’s time for Russian-speaking Jews in the USA to emerge from the shadows and take their rightful place in the country’s Jewish life – just as their predecessors did a century ago.