Immigration from the Soviet Union Landmarks of Jewish History

Between 1991 and 2004, Soviet Jews immigrated to Germany. A special admission program was intended to take symbolic political responsibility and strengthen Jewish life. In 1989, there were approx. 1,300 congregation members in Hamburg, most of whom were over 50 years old. By 2004, membership had grown to more than 5,000.

The immigration meant that Jewish congregations in Germany grew and became more pluralistic. At the same time, questions about the definition of Jewish identities led to internal tensions. For instance, in the Soviet Union, “Jewish nationality” was passed on from the father. According to religious law in Orthodox congregations, however, the status of the mother is decisive. The majority of immigrants were also not religious. Many did not join any congregation or left it again.