Jewish Situation in Latvia's file / תיק, מצב היהודים בלטביה

📜 The Jewish Working Youth Movement in Latvia

These sources document the history and condition of Latvian Jewry between the two World Wars, with particular focus on the political and social changes experienced by the community. The documents review the ideological struggle between different currents, particularly the complex relations among Jewish youth and workers’ movements such as "HeHalutz", "Borochov", and socialist organizations. These texts emphasize the impact of the fascist regime on public life, the economy, and the cultural autonomy of the Jews in the country. In addition, statistical data and reports appear regarding Zionist activity and the attempts of various organizations to preserve their identity under changing conditions. The information has been preserved as part of the Labor Archive and serves as historical evidence of the political dynamics among the Jewish minority in the Baltic region.

The coup of 15 May 1934 in Latvia marked the end of democracy in the country and the establishment of a fascist dictatorship that deeply affected the Jewish community (O39-1f). According to archival documents that include handwritten notes, the materials were ordered by Shlomo Konitzki on 10.10.91 (O39-1f, O39-2f).

Political Organization and Regime Change

On 15 May 1934, a military-police coup was carried out that led to the dissolution of the Saeima (the Latvian parliament) and the abolition of all political parties (O39-1f). The new regime adopted a nationalist ideology under the slogan "Latvia for Latvians", which led to the gradual revocation of minority rights (O39-1f). Strict censorship was imposed on the press, and major Jewish newspapers such as the "Frimorgn" were closed (O39-1f). The cultural and educational autonomy enjoyed by the Jews since 1918 was abolished, and Jewish schools were placed under strict government supervision intended to limit education in Yiddish and Hebrew (O39-1f).

Youth Movements and Ideological Struggles

Jewish youth movements in Latvia were an arena for intense political struggles, especially between the "Bund" and the Zionist movements (O39-2f). The "Borochov-Yugend" movement operated in Latvia with 9 local branches comprising about 250 members according to one report, while another report (apparently from the Vienna Congress) mentions 4 branches and about 150 members (O39-2f). The "Bund" conducted a fierce struggle against all Zionist organizations, including the "Borochov-Yugend", accusing them of cooperation with the "Jewish bourgeoisie" (O39-2f). Movements such as "Hashomer Hatzair" maintained relations with the "Borochov-Yugend" and participated in joint activities with organizations such as "Brit Trumpeldor" (O39-2f). The leadership of the "Bund" decided to avoid cooperation with the Zionist-socialist youth because of their national positions (O39-2f).

Aliyah, Training, and Economic Difficulties

The "HeHalutz" movement in Latvia was among the largest and most important, numbering about 2200 members (O39-1f). Members of the movement engaged in agricultural and vocational training in preparation for immigration to the Land of Israel, but encountered increasing difficulties from the authorities (O39-1f). At the same time, the Latvian government pursued a policy of "Latvization" of the economy, which included the establishment of state cooperatives and the displacement of Jews from commerce and industry (O39-1f). Many Jews in cities and towns lost their livelihoods as a result of revoked trade licenses and dismissals from public positions (O39-1f). The economic situation worsened to such an extent that some Jews were forced to consider emigration or drastic professional changes (O39-1f).

List of Terms

• Saeima: The parliament of Latvia, dissolved following the coup of 1934 (O39-1f).
• Latvization: An economic and social policy intended to transfer assets and positions of power to ethnic Latvians (O39-1f).
• Frimorgn: A Jewish morning newspaper published in Riga and closed by the authorities (O39-1f).
• Borochov-Yugend: A Zionist-socialist youth movement named after Dov Ber Borochov (O39-2f).
• SJI (Socialist Youth International): The socialist international of youth movements, to which some organizations in Latvia were connected (O39-2f).
• SAI (Socialist Workers' International): The international organization of socialist workers’ parties (O39-2f).

List of Sources

• O39-1f : A detailed overview in Yiddish on the condition of Latvian Jewry after the coup of 1934, including information on education, the economy, and the HeHalutz movement.
• O39-2f : A German document dealing with the Jewish workers’ youth movements in Latvia and the relations between the "Bund" and the Zionist movements.

O39-1f

O39-2f

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