Jewish Immigrants

• (JEW) Mainly settled in Glasgow (commonly in Gorbals or, if more successful, the wealthier area of Garnethill).
• (JEW) Most commonly went into business for themselves – often working with other Jewish immigrants and family members. They were not seen as competition for ‘Scottish’ jobs unlike some other immigrant groups.
• (JEW) Most common business areas were tailoring and tobacconists. Some went into the legal profession. A number of Jewish candidates were elected to local political organisations and the city council in Glasgow.
• (JEW) Many of the Jewish settlers did not speak the same language as each other (eg. Polish, Russian, German all used) as well as having to come to terms with English, meant that it was more difficult for them to settle as a community in the way that other groups had managed. There was also a community newspaper published in Yiddish.
• (JEW) Jewish immigrants built synagogues so they could practice their faith. They also set up their own schools in order to pass on their culture and identity to their children
• (JEW) German speaking Jews faced growing hostility during WWI and after.