Podcast: The Galveston Movement: A Gateway of Hope

What is it like to be a refugee? What if you and your family were offered a safer, more prosperous place to live? Yes, you'd have to learn a new language, and the trip would be long and difficult, but the odds of your new home being much safer would be much higher. Would you take that opportunity?

In 1907, Galveston played a pivotal role in an international immigration issue. While Ellis Island saw millions pass through during this era. Directing over 10,000 Jewish immigrants through Galveston helped relieve overcrowded cities and created meaningful impact across the Midwest and the South. At this point in history, the United States was experiencing a surge of immigrants from Europe, which led to overcrowding in major East Coast cities. However, the Central United States, particularly Texas, offered ample space and, more importantly, hope.

Galveston, with its unique position as a port on the Gulf, became a beacon of this hope. In Russia and Eastern Europe, Jewish people were enduring increasing antisemitism in the form of violent riots known as pogroms. These brutal events ravaged villages, destroyed homes and businesses, and claimed thousands of lives. In response, the international Jewish community devised a plan, and this plan would draw some of the persecuted Jewish people out of Russia and Eastern Europe and into the United States. This plan was known as the Galveston Movement and would assist with the challenges of the influx of refugees from New York to London, from Kyiv, Ukraine, to Bremen, Germany, and from Galveston Island to rural cities across the Midwest. Jewish leaders and philanthropists worked tirelessly to relocate these refugees, offering them a chance at a new life free from violence.

While most immigrants from Europe were arriving in large cities like New York, Boston, or Philadelphia, this group would flow through Galveston specifically. Though, they were not supposed to settle on Galveston Island. During this period, the population of these port cities was booming, partially because immigrants often decided to stay where they landed instead of making arduous and expensive journeys further inland. Though this strategy can make it easier for newcomers to find a community, it can also lead to overcrowding, poverty, and increased racial and ethnic tensions.

New York businessman and philanthropist Jacob Schiff put himself and his wealth at the forefront of the relocation effort. First, he coordinated with Jewish organizations in Europe who would identify and then educate potential immigrants about this new opportunity through Galveston. Then, immigrants would board a ship in Bremen, Germany. Where a steamship waited to take them all the way to Galveston. This transatlantic voyage from Bremen to Galveston typically took about two to three weeks, though the entire process from leaving home to resettlement could stretch much, much longer. But once these immigrants arrived, they would be welcomed and assisted through the immigration process.

Galveston's Port was perfect for this plan. Galveston was chosen deliberately as the island was seen as a more viable and welcoming entry point, not only because of its efficient rail links throughout Texas and the Southwest but also because it hosted a smaller population due to the presence of an organized and supportive Jewish community that could assist immigrants directly upon arrival.

Not to mention, Galveston had already been an immigration port for over half a century. Comparatively to other southern ports and cities, it was speculated that lower anti-immigration sentiment made it an ideal gateway to the interior us. The city of Galveston and the island were relatively small, which didn't encourage a large community to settle on the island in the first place.

And because bustling railroads were ready to carry newcomers further into Texas and the U.S., plenty of fresh opportunities were easily accessible to these immigrants. On top of all of this, Galveston already had a well-established Jewish community that was ready to help in the Galveston Movement. Rabbi Henry Cohen of the B'nai Israel congregation was the guiding light on the island. He was instrumental in founding the Jewish Immigrants Information Bureau and personally awaited nearly every group as they disembarked. Historical sources claim that Rabbi Cohen met every single vessel full of immigrants at the docks and welcomed each and every immigrant into the United States right here in Galveston.

From the moment refugees arrived on the island, Rabbi Cohen and the Bureau provided crucial resources and assistance to the refugees. Keep in mind, many of these people couldn't speak
English, which made it especially difficult to navigate the immigration process. Fortunately, Rabbi Cohen spoke and read multiple languages, so he was perfectly positioned for this work. The people in charge of this Movement on the American side worked with local communities to determine what kind of businesses and laborers each area needed.

As the immigrants were processed, their skills and professions were also taken into consideration. Tailors, shoemakers, and clerks were in high demand, but able-bodied, "unskilled" family members were brought along too. Texas received the highest number of Jewish immigrants through this program, but immigrants were resettled throughout the Central United States.

According to the Texas State Historical Association, the first 56 people, mostly men, with only two women, arrived in July of 1907 aboard the steamship CASSEL. Members of this first group were distributed across the interior U.S., from Fort Worth to Fargo, North Dakota, in Texas, and the cities of Palestine, Tyler, Marshall, and Texarkana received many of these immigrants. The railroads to these East Texas cities even offered half-price tickets in the spirit of charity.

Between 1907 and 1914, Galveston welcomed roughly 10,000 Jewish immigrants into the United States. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of international organizations and local communities. For seven years. Rabbi Cohen, Jacob Schiff, and many others work to lobby the government on behalf of this vulnerable group. However, the economic and social problems eventually became too great to support these efforts in the long term, as declining economic conditions across America led to decreased immigration and restrictive attitudes by government officials at Galveston's Port of Entry.

By 1914, the Galveston Movement came to an end. However, in its brief seven-year span, it provided a crucial outlet and opportunity for over 10,000 persecuted Jewish people. The example set by these immigrants and the communities that embrace them should serve as a powerful reminder of what's possible when we work together. The legacy of the Galveston Movement lives on as thousands and thousands of these descendants still live in the United States today. The Galveston Movement is a powerful reminder that even a single port city working with partners and a purpose can change the course of countless lives.