When you ask just about anyone in the US about people who have been oppressed, you will almost always be given a reference to African Americans. Rarely do we think of Russian or the Polish Jews as those who have suffered. Even before Hitler came to power Jews were not viewed favorably by their peers. Although their skin was the some color as most in Europe they in various ways were viewed as another race. Russia has a long standing history of violence towards Jews. Jews in Russia were being removed from their homes and were often the victims of mob violence; Alexander III simply ignored these events or even at times encouraged them4. In 1887 the Russian government issued orders to limit the number of Hebrew students who can enter college4. This limit was horribly low and did not allow many Hebrews to enter college. Events such as these lead up to the mass immigration to America. One night in 1881 synagogues in Russia were filled with victims of riots. They had gathered to pray and to talk with one another about the problems at hand. A group of people suggested that there is no hope for Jews in Russia and called for a move to America. Shortly after here in the US a public meeting was held at Checkering Hall, New York. The delegates passed a resolution that said: .
"that the citizens of New York have heard with sadness and indignation of the sufferings inflicted upon the Jews of Russia," and "that in the name of civilization we protest against the spirit of medieval persecution. In this age the recognized equality of all men, irrespective of their religious confessions, an essential element in American constitutions, is a principle and a practice which secures the loyal devotion of all classes. This is eminently true of the Hebrews, who constitute faithful citizens and subjects wherever accorded the rights of manhood. We sympathize with our fellow citizens of the Hebrew faith in their sorrow for their afflicted brethren in Russia and in their energetic efforts for the welcome of the exiles4.