Positive Jewish Immigrants experiences in Scotland

Question 1

The number of Jewish immigrants was relatively small, their communities self-contained and many moved into suburb areas such as Pollokshields

Answer 1

This meant that Scots generally accepted Jewish immigrants as they did not tend to worsen the housing and overcrowding situation in Scotland

Question 2

Jews tended to look after one another and new immigrants by setting up a Jewish movement of “friendly societies” that served the specific health and welfare needs of the Jewish community

Answer 2

This meant that Scots accepted Jewish immigrants as they were not seen to put a strain on the poor law.

Question 3

many young Jews were eager to answer the call to arms in their new country and volunteered to fight for Scotland during WWI

Answer 3

This meant that they were respected by Scots as they were prepared to risk their own life to defend Scotland, in which they were an immigrant, in warfare.

Question 4

Jewish immigrants were involved in Scottish politics, with the majority to Jewish immigrants supporting the Labour Party in the interwar years

Answer 4

This meant that Jewish immigrants gained respect from Scots for their support of the working class and involvement in trade union activities.

Question 5

Yiddish language newspapers declined and were replaced with the English language newspapers such as the Glasgow publish Jewish Echo

Answer 5

This meant that Scots felt as though Jewish immigrants made an effort to assimilate into Scottish culture, by learning the language in an effort to fit in.

Question 6

Jewish immigrants became established in the tailoring trade by producing affordable, quality clothing and also set up other businesses which provided goods for Scots such as watchmakers and tobacconists

Answer 6

This meant that Scots benefited from the jobs that Jews did and appreciated the positive effect they had on the Scottish economy.

Question 7

Jewish Literary Societies were formed in Edinburgh (1888) and in Glasgow (1893), which sponsored sponsored English language classes

Answer 7

This meant that Scots were not particularly concerned about the Jewish impact on Scottish society and culture, as over time Jewish culture became more integrated with Scottish.

Question 8

Many Jewish immigrants were prominent in respected professions like medicine , such as Prof. Noah Morris, the first Scottish residing Jew to become chairman at the University of Glasgow in 1937

Answer 8

This meant that Scots respected the work done by Jewish immigrants and viewed them as educated, intelligent and hardworking members of Scottish society.