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The Jews in Bessarabia
Between the World Wars 1914-1940

Translated by Ala Gamulka

Volume A

[Page 381]

List of Photographs

Volume A

1. First Zionist Committee in Bessarabia, Kishinev-1920 32 (A)
2. First all-Romanian committee of Zeirei Zion(unified), Jassy 1920 32 (B)
3. First District Zionist committee, Britchany, Sukkot, 1920 32 (B)
4. Central Women's committee for Ukrainian refugees, Kishinev, 1922 48 (A)
5. Transport of matzos to Ukraine from the Dniester port of Bendery Spring 1921 48 (A)
6. Members of the central Ukrainian committee in Kishinev with Matzos transport, 1921 48 (A)
7. Joint leadership and central Ukrainian committee, Kishinev 1921-23 48 (B)
8. Second all-Romanian conference of Zeirei Zion (unified) Chernovitz 1921 80 (A)
9. Members of Editorial Board of “Unser Tzeit”, Kishinev 1924 80 (A)
10. M. Usishkin with the state committee and workers of Keren Kayemet Kishinev, 1924 80 (B)
11. Workers of the state agency of Keren Kayemet, Kishinev 1929 80 (B)
12. Keren Kayemet committee, Beltz 1927/28 80 (B)
13. Chief Rabbi I.L. Tsirelson with his published Kol Koreh for Keren Kayemet 80 (B)
14. Dr. Yekhezkel Mutchnik, representative of the Jewish Agency in Bessarabia 80 (B)
15. Nachum M. Roitman, second commissioner of Keren Kayemet 80 (B)
16. Advocate Yosef I. Panis, chairman of the last committee of Keren Kayemet 80 (B)
17. Author Natan Bistritsky (Agmon) and Leah Vidrovitch with the Zionist women's committee, Kishinev 1931 96 (B)
18. Author Natan Bistritsky with the Zionist women's committee Kishinev 1934 96 (B)
19. Third conference of Zionist women Kishinev 1935 96 (B)
20. Workers of the state committee of Keren Hayesod, Kishinev 1924 96 (C)
21. Good bye party for Dr. Yosef Sapir, chairman of the state agency Of Keren Hayesod, Kishinev 1925 96 (C)
22. Central committee of Keren Hayesod and workers of the state agency At the visit of Nachum Sokolov, Kishinev 1925 112 (A)
23. Zeev Zhabotinsky among the honor guard of Maccabi, Kishinev 1926 112 (A)
24. Dr. Chaim Weitzman with his entourage and the honor guard, Kishinev 1927 112 (B)
25. Dr. Chaim Weitzman with the presidents and workers of the state agency of Keren Hayesod, Kishinev 1927 112 (B)
26. Dr. Chaim Weitzman at a press conference, Kishinev 1927 112 (B)
27. Leib Yaphe with workers of the state agency of Keren Hayesod, Kishinev 1927 112 (C)
28. Colonel Josiah Wedgewood with Keren Hayesod workers, Kishinev 1929 112 (C)
29. Dr. Shmaryahu Levin visiting Beltz 1930 112 (C)
30. Keren Hayesod committee in Soroca with a visiting group from Kishinev, Nisan 1921 112 (D)
31. Keren Hayesod committee in Britcheva with visiting group, 1921 112 (D)
32. Keren Hayesod committee in Vertujheni with visiting group, 1924 128 (A)
33. Keren Hayesod committee in Markulesht with visiting group, 1924 128 (A)

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34. Bendery Keren Hayesod committee with visiting Dr. M. Schwartzman of the central agency -1921 128 (B)
35. Romanovka Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group 128 (B)
36. Keren Hayesod committee in Akkerman with visiting group From Kishinev 1924 128 (C)
37. Tarutino Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group from Kishinev 1924 128 (C)
38. Kilya Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group from Kishinev- 1924 128 (C)
39. Khotin Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group from Kishinev – 1924-25  
40. Britchany Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group from Kishinev, 1924 128 (D)
41. Yedinitz Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group From Kishinev 1923/24 144 (A)
42. Ungany Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group From Kishinev 1925 144 (A)
43. Liova Keren Hayesod committee with visiting group from Kishinev 1923 144 (A)
44. Working committee of ZHR, Kishinev 1930 144 (B)
45. Goodbye party of ZHR branch in honor of the Aiya of Akiva Baron, Kishinev 1930 144 (B)
46. Zeev Zhabotinsky among the members of the central committee Of ZHR, Kishinev 1935 144 (B)
47. Hapoel bike riders on their European tour, Kishinev 1935 144 (B)
48. Rabbi I. L. Tsirelson chairing the government rabbinic council for interior affairs, St. Petersburg 1910 160 (A)
49. Rabbi I. L. Maimon visiting Kishinev in 1935, 1936 and 1938 160 (B)
50. Yosef Shprintzak visiting Kishinev, July 1935 160 (B)
51. Yosef Shprintzak visiting Bendery, July 1935 160 (B)
52. Unification committee of Poalei Zion and Zeirei Zion Bucharest 1936 176 (A)
53. Hachshara group from Ataki and Mogilev-Podolsk Dombrovan 1918 176 (B)
54. First Hachshara group in Falasht, 1919 176 (B)
55. First Hachshara group in Kaprosht, 1920 176 (B)
56. First Hachshara group from Akkerman arriving in Eretz Israel, 1921 176 (B)
57. First Hachshara group in Orgeyev, 1920-21 176 (B)
58. Hachshara group in a carpentry workshop, Kishinev, 1922 192 (A)
59. First Hachshara farm, Kishinev, 1922 192 (A)
60. Hachshara group in furniture caning workshop, Soroca, 1923 192 (A)
61-63. Members of the central committee of Hechalutz in Kishinev, Early 1920s 192 (B)
64. Members of Hechalutz at the Aliya of Yosef Barpal, late 1925 192 (B)
65. Active members of Hechalutz in Bukovina, Chernovitz, 1925-27 192 (B)
66. Members of the central committee of Hechalutz, Kishinev, 1927 192 (B)
67. Visit of Yosef Baratz in Hachshara farm in Kishinev, 1923 208 (A)
68. Aliya group #14, Kishinev, 1923 208 (A)
69. Members of the committee of Brit Hanoar, Kishinev 1925 208 (B)
70. “Palestinian section” of Maccabi, Kishinev 1925 208 (B)
71. “Palestinian section” committee with physical education instructors, Kishinev, 1932 208 (B)
72. First group of B'nei Israel from Orgeyev in Eretz Israel, June 1926 208 (B)
73. In Hachshara farm in Yelitchan, 1927 224 (A)
74. Last “Hatchya” committee, preparing to unite with Gordonia In Yelitchan, Lag Baomer 1927 224 (A)
75. “Masada” Hachshara farm, housing, 1929 224 (A)
76. Dr. Chaim Weitzman in Pokurar Hachshara farm, 1927 224 (B)

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77. Members of the Hachshara farm in Pokurar, 1929 240 (A)
78. Members od the Hachshara farm in Pokurar, fall 1929 240 (A)
79. Dish in Hachshara farm in Pokurar 240 (B)
80. Milking of cows in Pokurar 240 (B)
81. Members of the Hachshara farm in Pokurar, early 1930s 240 (B)
82. Hechalutz teachers' college in Romania, Kishinev 1929 240 (C)
83 Hahachana group, Orgeyev, 1930 240 (C)
84. A combined Hachshara group of Gordonia and Beitar – Zaruzhan, spring 1930 240 (C)
85. Fourth World Conference of Hechalutz, Berlin 2-5.10.1930 240 (D)
86. Gordonia leadership in Romania with P. Lubianiker (Lavon) and M. Oved, Kishinev 1930/31 256 (A)
87. Top leaders of Gordonia with emissaries from Eretz Israel, D. Perlmutter & M. Rolel, Kishinev, 1935 256 (A)
88. P. Lubianiker with committee members of Zeirei Zion, Beltz 1930/31 256 (A)
89. Members of Masada Hachshara on the day of Balfour's Declaration 2.11.1934 256 (A)
90. Members of the central committee of Hechalutz in Romania, Kishinev, March 1930 256 (B)
91. Members of the central committee of Hechalutz elected during the seventh conference in Kishinev, January 1934 256 (B)
92. Main leadership of Hashomer Hatzair in Romania, 1933 256 (B)
93. Central committee of the union of pioneers of Poalei Zion Chernovitz, 1934 256 (B)
94. Assembly of members of Poalei Zion, Haoved & Dror, Orgeyev, 1926 256 (B)
95. Council of the union of pioneers of Poalei Zion in Romania, Chernovitz, 1933 256 (C)
96. Hachshara group of the union of pioneers of Poalei Zion, 1934 256 (C)
97. First Hachshara group of Torah Veavoda (Hechalutz, Zeirei Mizrachi) In Romania, Kamina 1930-31 256 (D)
98. Second Hachshara group of Zeirei Mizrachi in Romania, 1932 256 (D)
99. Good bye party of Zeirei Mizrachi for the pioneers making Aliyah, Chernovitz, 1932 256 (D)
100. Bnai Akiva branch, Soroca, 1934 256 (E)
101. Hachshara group of Zeirei Mizrachi, Zhutchka, 1934 256 (E)
102. Second meeting of Torah Veavoda in Bessarabia, Beltz 1935 256 (E)
103. First conference of Boslya, Kishinev, 1935 256 (F)
104. Visit of Yitzhak Greenboim with the Aliyah B unit of “People of the Underground”, Bucharest, June 1935 256 (F)
105. Opening of the tenth state conference of Hashomer Hatzair, Kishinev 1935 256 (F)
106. Hachshara farm of the Zionist youths in Romania, Floriaska, 1934 256 (G)
107. Hachshara group on the Floriaska farm 1935 256 (G)
108. Students from the orphanage for boys in Kishinev on Hachshara, 1936 256 (G)
109. Hachshara farm of Dror Habonim in Transylvania, Hatzg, 1936 256 (H)
110. Hachshara farm of Dror Habonim in Transylvania, Hatzg, 1938 256 (H)
111. Hachshara farm of Dror Habonim in Transylvania. Hatzg, 1939 256 (H)
112. Leadership of the faction of the 8th Hashomer Hatzair, Kishinev 1937 272 (A)
113. Representatives of the union of pioneers of Poalei Zion at the 8th Hechalutz conference, Kishinev 1937 272 (A)
114. Group of members from the main leadership of the union of pioneers of Poalei Zion in Romania 272 (A)

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115. Twelfth Day of Managers of Gordonia, Masada 1938 272 (B)
116. Meeting of section B, C, and D of Gordonia, Masada 1938 272 (B)
117. Active leaders of Gordonia with emissary Meir Zait, 1939 272 (B)
118. Members of the central council of Gordonia as a group makes Aliyah, Beltz, 1939 272 (C)
119. Emissaries from Eretz Israel with leaders of the pioneering youth movements, Bucharest 1939 272 (C)
120. A group of Gordonia leaders, Bucharest, 1940 272 (C)
121. Main council (last one in Bessarabia) of Gordonia, Kishinev Passover 1940 272 (D)
122. Central leadership of Hashomer Hatzair in Romania, Bucharest, 16.6.1940 272 (D)
123. Bershad cooperative-Geula, Kishinev 1921 288 (A)
124. Youth Aliyah from Romania, first group, Bucharest November 1938 288 (B)
125. Youth Aliyah from Romania, first group, Constanza, 1938 288 (B)
126. Youth Aliyah group from Romania on board ship 304 (A)
127. Youth Aliyah group from Romania as it arrives at Ben Shemen 304 (A)
128. Illegal immigrant ship Colorado from Romania imprisoned at the Port of Haifa July 1939 304 (B)
129. Illegal immigrants embarking from the ship 304 (B)

Volume B

130. Rabbi I.L. Tsirelson and Rabbi Dr. I. Nemirover, representatives in parliament among Government ministers 504 (A)
131-3. Signers of the proclamation of the formation of the Jewish Party in Romania 504 (A)
134-42. Representatives of the Jewish party to the Romanian parliament, June 1931 & July 1932 504 (B)
143-5. Jewish representatives from various parties handling the Jewish problem 504 (B)
146. Members of the central committee of Tarbut, 1924 520 (A)
147. Members of the central committee of Tarbut at the Aliyah of Alterman and Tulchinsky, 1925 520 (A)
148. Senior class and teachers of the Teachers seminary in Jassy, 1921 520 (B)
149. Upper class and teaching staff of the Teachers seminary in Jassy 1922 520 (B)
150. Institute for the preparation of female teachers and educators, Kishinev, 1933-1935 520 (C)
151. First graduating class of the institute, Kishinev 1924 520 (D)
152. The painting and sculpture laboratory at the institute 536 (A)
153. Early morning work in the garden of the institute 536 (A)
154. The carpentry and bookbinding workshops at the institute 536 (A)
155. Second graduating class of the institute, Kishinev 1925 536 (B)
156. First Hebrew kindergarten in Securany, 1920/21 552 (A)
157. Model kindergarten, No. 2, at the institute, 1923/24 552 (A)
158. Kindergarten at Tarbut School, Romanovka, 1924/25 552 (A)
159. Kindergarten at Tarbut School, Roni, 1924/25 552 (B)
160. First Hebrew kindergarten, Brichany, 1925/26 552 (B)

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161. Tarbut Kindergarten, Tatarbunar, 1928/29 552 (B)
162. Tarbut Kindergarten, Vertujheni, 1928/29 552 (B)
163. Hebrew Kindergarten in Beltz, 1932/33 552 (C)
164. Tarbut Kindergarten, Zaguritza, 1932/33 552 (C)
165. Yavne Kindergarten, Kishinev, 1932/33 552 (D)
166. Bringing harvest to Tarbut Kindergarten, led by Sh. Gornshteyn Kilya, 1932/33 552 (D)
167. Masked ball for KKL in Tarbut school, Ungany 552 (D)
168. Kindergarten and school at Tarbut, Akkerman, late 1920s 568 (A)
169. New Talmud Torah in Brichany, 1927 566 (A)
170. Tarbut School, Khotin, 1927/28 568 (A)
171. Grade 4, Tarbut School in Orgeyev, late 1920s 568 (B)
172. Festive assembly for laying cornerstone for Tarbut building, Rishkany, 1928 568 (B)
173. Tarbut school, Roni, Sivan 1928 568 (B)
174. Visit of students of Roni Tarbut school with students of Kilya Tarbut School, 1928 568 (C)
175. Visit of educator M. Avigal (Educational center in Eretz Israel) at Roni Tarbut school, 1929 568 (C)
176. Teachers of Kilya Tarbut school visiting Tarbut teachers In Artsiz 1931 568 (C)
177. Visit of students from Kilya Tarbut school in Artsiz Tarbut school, 1931 568 (C)
178. Teaching staff of Tarbut school in Romanovka, 1927 568 (D)
179. Teaching staff of new Yedinitz Talmud Torah, late 1920s 568 (D)
180. Grades 4 and 5 of Romanovka Tarbut school, at end of school year 1931/32 568 (D)
181. Kindergarten and Grade one, Kilya Tarbut school, 1931/32 568 (D)
182. Grades 3 and 4, Yavneh school, Kishinev, 1932/33 568 (E)
183. Teaching staff of Britcheva Tarbut school, 1930s 568 (E)
184. Lag Baomer exhibition, Britcheva Tarbut school, 568 (E)
185. Graduating class of Hebrew school founded by E. Dibrov, Yedinitz, 1933 568 (E)
186. Festive opening of Tarbut high school in Soroca, 1919 568 (F)
187. First graduating class of Hebrew high school founded by Zvi Schwartzman, Bendery, 1920 568 (G)
188. First graduating class of Hebrew high school for boys in Beltz, 1922 568 (G)
189. Staff of Hebrew high schools in Beltz, 1922 568 (H)
190. Fifth graduating class of Hebrew high schools in Beltz, 1926 568 (H)
191. Band of Hebrew high school in Beltz 568 (H)
192. Students of secondary four of Tarbut high school, named for Yehuda Shteinberg. Liova, 1923 584 (A)
193. First graduating class of Tarbut high school in Soroca, 1926 584 (B)
194. Fourth graduating class of Tarbut high school in Soroca 584 (B)
195. Students of secondary 1-3 of Tarbut high school in Akkerman, 1923 584 (C)
196. First graduating class of Tarbut high school in Akkerman, 1927 584 (C)

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197. Hebrew high school in Tarutino. Secondary 1 and 2, 1926/27 584 (D)
198. First graduating class of Magen David high school, Kishinev, 1928 584 (D)
199. Students of Magen David Hebrew high school, Kishinev, 1927/28 584 (E)
200. First graduating class of Hebrew high school in Markulesht, 1928 584 (F)
201. Third graduating class of Hebrew high school in Markulesht, 1930 584 (F)
202. Twentieth year reunion committee of Hebrew high school in Bendery, 1912-1922 584 (G)
203. Committee of Tarbut branch in Securany planning construction of a New school building, 1934 584 (G)
204. Students of secondary six of Tarbut high school in Zaguritza with Staff members 1938 584 (G)
205. Summer seminar of Tarbut for its teachers, Dorna-Vatra, 1930 584 (H)
206. Visit of teachers in nearby settlement of Hashomer Hatzair, Bukhna 1930 584 (H)
207. Conference of Tarbut teachers, Kishinev, 1932 600 (A)
208. List of schools in Bessarabia under Tarbut, Kishinev 1931/32 600 (B)
209. Summer seminar of Tarbut for its teachers, Piatra-Nemetz, 1936 600 (C)
210. Group of teachers from the settlement in Piatra on the banks of the river 600 (C)
211. Summer seminar of Tarbut for its teachers, KImpulung, 1937 600 (C)
212. Teachers of Tarbut school in Securany, Nisan (April) 1940 600 (D)
213. On the Aliyah of poet Eliahu Maytus, Kishinev, 1935 600 (D)
214. Council of the all-Romanian branch of Brit Ivrit Olamit, Bucharest, May 1938 600 (D)

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Jewish Population Figures

[Page 388]

Blank

[Page 389]

Various Censuses

The estimate of the Jewish population in Bessarabia, during the first years of the establishment of Romanian rule, was a constant topic of disputes. The disputes were between the representatives of the Jews and the leading anti-Semites in Romania. The former gave official statistics, while the latter gave made-up, exaggerated numbers based on natural large numbers.

Dr. Filderman, in his book (in Romanian) “The Truth about the Jewish problem in Romania” (Bucharest, 1925), brings examples from various “statisticians” about the size of the Jewish population in Romania. These are pure fantasy and are about three to four times the official numbers.[1]

It will suffice to cite here one example from one of the “most conservative” and “careful” ones- Vasilis. This is what he wrote in 1919:

Bessarabia

According to Vasilis- 381, 000 people. Official numbers are 267, 000.

Bukovina

Vasilis- 155, 364 people. Official numbers- 89,000

Transylvania

Vasilis- 312,239. Official numbers- 181, 340

Rigat

Vasilis- 742, 321. Official numbers- 230,000.

In total, according to Vasilis- 1,590,924. According to official numbers- 767,340.

The intention of the publisher of false numbers (and not only his) was quite clear- to increase the incitement against the invasion of the Jews-i.e., their control of the economy.

[Page 390]

David Vinitsky

Romania controlled Bessarabia for over 22 years (January 1918 to 28 June 1940). We have official statistics about the number of Jews in three different times. Of these, the first two were administrative estimates while the last one was an official census.

  1. In 1919, immediately after the new provinces were annexed by Romania, the number of Jews in Bessarabia was estimated to be 267, 000 people- 138, 000 in rural areas and 129, 000 in cities (Filderman, ibid)
  2. At the beginning of 1924, when the law “for denial of and obtaining Romanian citizenship” was proposed, the number of Jews was estimated to be 238, 000. This law was presented to parliament in February of that year (it was later known as the Law od MIrzasku, the Minister of Justice of that time)- (Filderman, ibid)
  3. At the end of December 1930, according to the official general census held then in Romania, the number of Jews, according to religious affiliation, was 206,958 people. In cities[2]: 99,392 48.03%). In rural areas, which included the 34 agricultural settlements and the villages[3]- 107,566 people (51.97%).

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Jewish Population According to census December 1930 Compared to 1897 census

District Total population No. of cities In the cities % # Towns In the towns % In the villages % Total Compared to 1930
Orgeyev 19,566 1 6408 32.8 2 5700 29.1 7458 38.1 26699 -7133
Ismail 6433 5 6248 97.1 - - 185 2.9 11753 -876 (Together with Cahul)  
Akkerman 11400 2 4357 38.2 4 4396 38.6 2647 23.2 12322 -932
Beltz 31916 1 14259 44.7 7 11278 35.3 6379 20.0 27304 +4612
Bendery 16954 2 8686 51.2 5 5735 33.8 2533 15.0 16625 +329
Khotin 36132 1 5786 16.0 5 23771 65.8 6575 18.2 47898 -11756
Soroca 29510 1 5452 18.5 9 17185 58.2 6873 23.3 31017 -1507
Cahul 4444 2 3129 70.4 1 509 11.5 806 18.1 (Together with Ismail)  
Kishinev 50603 2 45067 89.1 1 1523 3.0 4013 7.9 54910 -4307
Total 206958 17 99392 48.03 34 70097 33.87 37469 18.1 228528 -21570

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According to everything mentioned above, the following picture emerges. It shows the movement of the Jewish population in the years 1919-1930 in all districts of greater Romania:

Bessarabia

In 1919, 267000, in 1924, 23800, in 1930, 206958

Bucovina

In 1919, 89000, in 1924, 128056, in 1930, 93101

Transylvania

In 1919, 181340, in 1924, 200000, in 1930, 192833

Rigat

In 1919, 23000, in 1924, 23000, in 1930, 264038


Total in 1919, 767340, in 1924, 796056, in 1930, 756930

 

It is clear that we must cast some doubt on the reliability of the census data of 1919 and 1924. These were done administratively only and were based on unknown information. However, we cannot ignore them because these are the only sources we have. There are no others.

On the basis of this information, it is possible to form the following conclusions:

  1. There was very little growth in the Jewish population of Bessarabia for 22 years. From the Tsarist census of 1897 (228528 people) until the census at the beginning of the Romanian regime (in 1919, 26700 people). It was only 38472 people.[4]
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  1. Continuous decrease of the Jewish population during the first 11 years of Romanian regime, from 1919 until the end of 1930; in 1924 compared to 1919- 29000 less people and in 1930 compared to 1924- 31042 people. In total the number was 60402. All this in spite of the fact that among the Ukrainian refugees there were many natives of Bessarabia who had legally returned to their homeland. Also, in spite of the natural increase that was consistently decreasing in that period of time, but was still higher than the death rate.
Even after the deduction about the growth in the first period of the 22 years of 38472 people, it was discovered that the decrease from 1897 (228528 people) to 1930 (206958 people) was 21570 people. Truthfully, these 33 years, from 1897 to 1930, were filled with severe shocks and impressive events in the life of the Jewish community in Bessarabia. This is how its lack of growth is explained.

On one hand, the two pogroms of 1903 and 1905 which happened in Kishinev and surroundings caused a large immigration to other countries. On the other hand, WWI (1914-1918), in addition to victims of the battles, also brought about a heightened movement of the local population to the other side of the Dniester in 1918-1920. After the annexation of the province by Romania, immigration to overseas lands increased.

The continuous decrease of the Jewish population from 1919 on, showed immigration in two different directions, after Bessarabia was taken from Russia to Romania. Immigration to other countries- mainly Aliyah to Eretz Israel- and inner immigration within Romania. This was true until 1924 when immigration to Bucovina was in motion since it was a well developed economic and industrial center. The movement to Rigat cities in the first time period is not reflected in these numbers. They seem balanced. There were two aspects to the latter- businessmen and free craftsmen blended into the lives of the annexed provinces.

The movement of the Jewish population of Bessarabia to Rigat cities increased yearly. As long as the economic situation in Bessarabia worsened, there were better opportunities in Rigat. It was true of clerical positions, craftsmanship and industry. Industry was almost non-existent in Bessarabia. Another reason for movement was the fact that many post-secondary institutions of learning were outside of Bessarabia and drew students to them.

By the way, the decrease in population of Bucovina and Bessarabia during 1924 to 1930

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can be partially explained also in the fact that some people left their new homes and moved back to their original homelands, Austria and Hungary.

Some people doubted the truth of the results of the last census in 1930. However, we have proof that these numbers are close to actual facts. I mean the results of the cadastre of the Jewish community in Kishinev. It was done by the temporary committee of the community, in early 1929. This was in preparation for elections to the first democratic community. The cadastre brought forward the following:[5]

Children under 5- male 1337, female 1353, total 2690
Children 5-21- male- 6464, female 7305, total 13769
21 and up (i.e., eligible to vote)
Male 10933, female 12173, total 23106
In total male 18734, female 20831, total 39565

These numbers prove the accuracy of the official government census at the end of December 1930- that there are 41405 Jewish souls in Kishinev.[6]

The difference of 1840 people represents 300 families, probably very poor, that were left out by the clerks of the Jewish community or it can be blamed on the difference in time of one and a half years between the two censuses.

The official census of 1930 provides us with numbers of the Jewish community according to several identifying marks: national, religious and language (Yiddish).

Following are detailed facts about the Jewish population of Bessarabia in comparison with other areas in the country. These are details about the settlements, according to districts, starting with 100 people. It must be deduced that

[Page 395]

from 1930 on they are relevant. Also, to the end of the 1930s, i.e., a short time before the province was annexed by Russia. The official statistics for January 1, 1938 show, in spite of the fact that the general population in Romania increased by 8.1%,that the size of the Jewish population remained the same.

As proof, we will demonstrate, in two organized tables*, facts from the government yearly statistics of births and deaths as well as the emigration of the Jewish population in 1931-1937. From these statistics we learn that there were 9023 more births than deaths in those years. If we deduct from that the number of Jews who left the country (according to these documents)- 5903 people- the remainder is 3120 people at the end of the seven years.

The anti-Semites did not stop publicizing inflated numbers about the size of the Jewish population in Romania- one and a half million people! This was double the numbers in the official census of December 1930. Octavian Goga became prime minister at the end of December 1937. He believed it, in spite of the discrepancy with official data, which he himself had brought forward in an administrative manner, while serving as Minister of the Interior in 1926-27. The numbers were close to the results of the 1930 census. He wanted to justify his assertion that it was necessary to check the validity of every Jew claiming Romanian citizenship.

A third table about the births and deaths in 1934-35 among the Jews, according to their area of residence in Romania. The main purpose is to show an estimate of births among the Jews. They had lived, for generations, under various regimes, in different cultural and economic circumstances. The lives of the Jews of Marmoresh, devoutly religious and followers of commandments were different from those of the Jews of Bessarabia, who were mainly traditional, in dire economic needs. Or the Jews of Transylvania or Moldova who lived in reasonable comfort. It does not need to be said that all those do not need to be compared to other areas in Rigat which had, mostly, plentiful lives.

Details in Table #1- 1931-35- according to religion; in 1936-37- according to national belonging

[Page 396]

Table #1

Births and deaths among the Jewish population following to the 1930 census

(According to religious affiliation)

  Births Deaths Difference
Years In general in Romania In general in Bessarabia In general in Romania In general in Bessarabia In general in Romania In general in Bessarabia
1931 12586 3227 9891 2652 +2695 +575
1932 12307 3237 10440 2770 +1867 +467
1933 11650 3084 9656 2579 -1995 +505
1934 11238 2876 9656 2541 -1582 +355
1935 10815 2825 10551 2850 +264 -25
1936 10563 2698 10111 2711 -452 -13
1937 10510 2657 10048 2622 +462 +35
Totals 79669 20604 70352 18725 +9317 +1879

 

Table #2

Immigration of Jews from Romania following the 1930 census

Years Total immigration Jews
(E.I.)*
Returning immigration Jews
(E.I.)*
Difference
(Total)
Jews
(E.I.)*
1931 2690 1463
(46)
2627 418
(9)
63 1045
(37)
1932 1377 803
(13)
1997 375
(6)
-620 428
(7)
1933 1179 706
(16)
1448 307
(8)
-269 399
(8)
1934 1371 863
(71)
962 178
(3)
409 685
(68)
1935 2423 1836
(1157)
718 130
(3)
1705 1706
(1154)
1936 1617 1251
(691)
366 115
(35)
1251 1136
(656)
1937 1337 658
(187)
630 154
(58)
707 504
(129)
Totals 11994 7580
(2181)
8748 1677
(172)
3246 5903
(2059)

*E.I. Emigrating to the Land of Israel

[Page 397]

Table #3

Estimates of births and deaths among Jewish population in 1934 and 1935

(According to religious affiliation)

  1934 1935
District Total Population rounded Births Deaths Difference Births Deaths Difference Total difference
Bessarabia 207000 2876 2541 +335 2825 2850 -25 +310
Bucovina 93000 907 1118 -211 881 1270 -389 -600
Transylvania 82000 1432 967 +465 1313 1054 +259 +724
Banat 14000 125 208 -83 141 233 -92 -175
Krishna-Marmoresh 97000 1918 1213 +705 1852 1320 +532 +1237
Oltania 4000 26 40 -14 25 43 -18 -32
Montania 94000 1124 1177 -53 1078 1364 -286 -339
Dobruja 4000 44 54 -10 48 50 -2 -12
Moldova 162000 2786 2338 +448 2652 2367 +285 +733
Totals 757000 11238 9656 +1582 10815 10551 +264 +1846

[Page 398]

Census of the population in Romania December 1930

A. No. of Jews according to districts and various identifying marks

District Religious affiliation % of Population National affiliation Yiddish Mother tongue
Bessarabia 206958
100%
7.2 204858
99%
201278 men
97.3%
Bucovina
100%
93101 10.9 92492
99.3%
74288 men
80.0%
Transylvania:
1.Bagat
100%
14043 1.5 11248
80%
757 men
5.4%
2.Transylvania
100%
81503 2.5 78626
96.59%
52008 men
63.8%
3.Krishana-Marmoresh
100%
97287 7.0 88825
91.5%
58510 men
60.1%
Total Transylvania
100%
192833 3.5 178699
92.7%
111275 men
57.7%
Rigat:
1.Oltania
100%
3523 0.2% 3305
94%
601 men
17%
2.Dobruja
100%
4031 0.5 3795
94%
1816 men
45%
3.Moldova
100%
162268 6.7 158421
97.6%
109654 men
67.6%
4.Montania
100%
94216 2.3 86545
92%
19842 men
21%
Total Rigat
100%
264038 3.0 252066
96%
131913 men
50%
Total all-Romania
100%
756930 4.2 728115
96.2%
518754 men
68.5%

[Page 399]

From these comparison tables, we learn that:

  1. Only 1% of the total Jewish population of Bessarabia hid its nationality- 2100 people. It is possible that this phenomenon of denying Jewish nationality and showing Romanian allegiance, is done, in the intention of some declarers, to emphasize their loyalty to their homeland, Bessarabia. As far as language was concerned, it was closer to Romania than to Russia.
  2. 97.3% of the total Jewish population declared Yiddish as their mother tongue. Only 2.7%-5680 people- did not know their mother tongue. Of these- 3665 came from the urban Jewish population-3.8%, while 2015-1.9% came from the rural Jewish population. From this we can surmise that assimilation (if we can call it that) affected the urban residents more that the rural ones.
These comparison tables also indicate the situation in all parts of Romania, in their various districts, as follows:

District Denial of nationality Ignorance of Yiddish
Bessarabia 1.0% 2.7%
Bucovina 0.7% 20.0%
Transylvania 7.3% 42.3%
Rigat 3.8% 50.0%

 

Denial of identity among the Jews of Transylvania reached 7.3%. This is almost double that of the Jews of Rigat. This fact indicates the rise of assimilation in Transylvania. All this in spite of the deep piety, followed by religious jealousy of the Jews of Marmoresh.

The high percentage of ignorance of Yiddish among the Jews of Transylvania- 42.3%-- emanates from their enthusiasm for the Hungarian language. It became their mother tongue. The Jews of Rigat where half of them did not know Yiddish can be explained by the fact that in the Montania district (it included Bucharest- 76000 Jews), a large percentage were Sephardi. Yiddish was not their language and that is why only 17% of the Jews of Montania spoke it.

[Page 400]

B. Total population in Romania according to national affiliation in cities and villages was 18057028

Division:
Romanians 12981324 people- 71.9%
Hungarians 1425507 people – 7.9%
Germans 745421 people – 4.1%
Jews 728115 people – 4.0%
Rutanians 582115 people – 3.2%
Russians 409150 people – 2.3%
Bulgarians 366384 people- 2.0%
Gypsies 262501 people - 1.5%
Others 556511 people -3.1%
Total 18057028 people- 100%

 

C. Total population in Bessarabia according to national affiliation in cities and villages 2864402 people

Division:
Romanians 1610757 people- 56.2%
Russians 351912 people -12.3%
Rutanians 314211 people - 11.0%
Jews 204858 people -7.2%
Bulgarians 163726 people - 5.7%
Germans 81059 people -2.8%
Others 137849 people- 4.8%
Total 2864402 people- 100%

[Page 401]

D. Total population of Romania with numbers of Jews in various districts according to religious affiliation

District Total population No. of Jews % % of Jewish population in Romania
Bessarabia 2864402 206958 7.2 27.34
Bucovina 853009 93101 10.9 12.3
Transylvania 5548363 192833 3.5 25.48
Rigat 8791254 264038 3.0 34.88
Total 18057028 756930 4.2 100.00

 

E. Number of Jews in Bessarabia according to religious affiliation (compared to total population)

District Total population No. of Jews % % of Jewish population in Bessarabia
Orgeyev 279292 19566 7.0 9.46
Ismail 225509 6433 2.9 3.10
Akkerman 341176 11400 3.3 5.50
Beltz 386721 31916 8.3 15.42
Bendery 306592 16594 5.5 8.20
Khotin 392430 36132 9.2 17.46
Lapushna (Kishinev) 419621 50603 12.1 24.45
Soroca 316368 29510 9.3 14.26
Cahul 196693 4444 2.3 2.15
Toral 2864402 206958 7.2 100

[Page 402]

F. Jewish population in Bessarabia according to districts and settlements- 100 people +

1. Orgeyev district 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Orgeyev 12336 7144 57.9 15279 6408 41.9
2. Rezina 3652 3182 87.1 3767 2889 76.6
3. Teleneshty 4379 3876 88.5 3803 2811 73.9
4. Tchinishautz - - - 4360 486 11.1
5. Bravitcha 3626 300 8.3 4827 413 8.6
6. Olishkany 2943 341 11.6 3857 246 6.9
7. Pereshtchina - - - 5192 241 4.6
8. Kriluyany 2054 338 16.5 2663 240 9.0
9. Mashkayutsy - - - 4117 239 5.9
10. Kipertcheny - - - 2987 208 7.0
11. Altchedar - - - 1672 174 10.4
12. Raspopeny - - - - 158 -
13. Onishcan - - - - - -
14. Kobilka - - - - 151 -
15. Shuldanasht - - - - 150 -
16. Cuizovka - - - - 127 -
17. Hartop-Mare - - - - 125 -
18. Izbesht - - - - 117 -
19. Dereneu - - - - 110 -
20. Susleny - - - - 110 -
21. Scortcheny - - - - 108 -
22. Kishtalnitza - - - - 105 -
23. Molovata - - - - 103 -
24. Isacova - - - - 102 -
25. Petcheshtea - - - - 102 -
Total 16096 people  
In remainder of villages (under 100 people) 3470 people  
Total in district 19566 people  

[Page 403]

2. Ismail district 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Ismail 22000 2781 12.6 24998 1680 6.7
2. Kilya 11618 2152 18.5 17245 1969 11.4
3. Bolgrad 12300 1196 9.7 14280 1222 8.6
4. Reni 6941 730 10.5 11923 1201 10.1
5. Vilkov - - - 7414 176 2.4
Total 6248 people
In other villages with less than 100 people 185 people
Total in district 6433 people

[Page 404]

3. Akkerman district 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Akkerman (Cetatea-Alba)* 28258 5613 19.9 34485 4239 12.3
2. Tarutyno 5200 1873 36.0 5795 1546 26.7
3. Tatarbunar 6023 999 16.6 7628 1202 15.8
4. Artchiz 1827 337 18.4 2951 842 28.5
5. Bairamtcha 2718 980 36.1 2784 806 29.0
6. Volontir - - - 6370 420 6.6
7. Sarata - - - 2661 316 11.9
8. Shaba - - - - 159 -
9. Kazatch (Starokazatch) - - - - - 136
10. Berezina - - - - 125 -
11. Tuzla - - - 3146 118 3.0
12. Olanesht - - - - 110 -
*Belgorod-Dnestrovsk
Total 10019 people
In other villages under 100 people 1381 people
Total in district 11400 people

[Page 405]

center">%
4. Beltz district 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Beltz 18478 10348 56.0 30570 14259 46.6
2. Faleshty 6672 4518 67.7 6278 3258 51.9
3. Rishcan 3246 2247 69.2 3117 2060 66.1
4. Ungheni 1693 997 58.9 3523 1390 39.5
5. Valea-Lui-Vlad 1349 1318 97.7 1355 1281 94.5
6. Sculeni 3375 1555 46.1 3237 1207 37.3
7. Pirlitza 792 494 62.4 2297 1064 46.3
8. Alexandreni 1253 1190 95.0 1524 1018 66.8
9. Cornesht 2689 552 20.5 2469 338 13.7
10. Glodan - - - 2860 214 7.5
11. Slobodzia-Balti - - - - 190 -
12. Pepeni - - - - 180 -
13. Singereya - - - - 144 -
14. Khizhdian - - - - 137 -
15. Mikhaliani - - - - 143 -
16. Sirbeshti - - - - 136 -
17. Balatina - - - - 131 -
18. Pelinia - - - - 121 -
19.Tchiutchulya - - - - 120 -
20. Shaptu-Bani - - - - 117 -
21. Sineshti - - - - 117 -
22. Sofia - - - - 108 -
23. Danul-Veky - - - - 104 -
24. Branishtya - - - - 101 -
Total 27938 people
In other villages with under 100 people 3978 people
Total in District 31916 people

[Page 406]

5. Bendery District 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Bendery 31797 10644 33.5 31384 8294 26.4
2. Romanovka 1662 1142 68.7 4696 1995 42.5
3. Caushany 3729 1675 44.9 5330 1870 35.1
4. Tchimishila 4355 752 17.3 6582 925 14.1
5. Tchadir-Lunga       7365 524 7.1
6. Tchaga (Petrovka)* 1470 611 41.6 1915 421 22.0
7. Komrat       12331 392 3.2
8. Talmaz       6240 308 4.9
9. Manzir 1079 310 28.7 2017 193 9.6
10. Taraklya         151  
11. Copanca         149  
12. Gura-Galbena         111  
*Also, Yehupetz
Total 15333 people
In other villages with under 100 people 1421 people
Total in district 16954 people

[Page 407]

6. Khotin District 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Khotin 18000 9227 51.3 15334 5786 37.7
2. Brichany 7446 7184 96.5 5625 5354 95.2
3. Yedinitz 10211 7379 72.3 5910 5349 91.0
4. Lipcany 6865 4410 64.2 5880 4698 79.9
5. Securiany 8982 5042 56.2 5759 4216 73.2
6. Novoselitzy (Sulitza-Targ) 5891 3898 66.2 4818 4154 86.2
7. Klishkautz 7707 1000 13.0 7184 452 6.3
8. Yedinitz-village       5260 401 7.6
9. Kelmenitz       4519 318 7.0
10. Yanautz       3728 267 7.2
11. Korjheutz       4371 209 4.8
12. Romankautz       5671 180 3.2
13. Tchepulyutz 1555 163 10.5 2828 175 6.2
14. Malinitz         169  
15. Lipcany village         153  
16. Komarova         151  
17. Neprotova 1631 268 16.4 1819 135 7.4
18. Lenkautz         134  
19. Sulitza village         126  
20. Babin         112  
21. Kolenkautz         103  
Total 32642 people
In villages under 100 people 3490 people
Total in district 36132 people

[Page 408]

7. Soroca District 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Soroca 15351 8783 57.2 15001 5452 36.3
2. Otaki 6976 4690 67.2 3503 2785 79.5
3. Zguritza 2107 1802 85.5 3028 2541 83.9
4. Britcheva 1697 1598 94.2 2735 2431 88.9
5. Markuleshty 1339 1336 99.8 2645 2337 88.4
6. Vad-Rashkov 4641 3237 70.0 3976 1970 49.5
7. Vertujeny 1057 1047 99.0 2015 1834 91.0
8. Kapreshty 1002 866 86.4 1998 1815 90.8
9. Dombroveny 1815 1726 95.0 1373 1198 87.3
10. Floreshty       1133 380 35.5
11. Kotiujhany       4740 367 7.7
12. Dondujhan       953 277 29.0
13. Liublin 517 512 99.0 300 274 91.3
14. Oknitza       2676 241 9.0
15. Tirnova       3366 201 6.0
16. Floreshty village         149  
17. Otaki village         145  
18. Ketros         140  
19. Nadushita         126  
20. Shur         113  
21. Drokya         113  
22. Moara-Noua         111  
23. Prajila         109  
24. Sanatauka         106  
25. Krementchug 985 291 29.5 1149 105 91
26. Kobilya-Veki         103  
Total 25423 people
In villages under 100 people 4087 people
Total in District 29510 people

[Page 409]

8. Cahul District 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Leova 4877 2773 56.9 6539 2326 35.6
2. Cahul 7077 800 11.3 11370 803 7.1
3. Baimaklya 1821 397 21.8 2439 509 19.3
Total 3638 people
In villages with under 100 people 806 people
Total in District 4444 people

 

9. Kishinev District 1897 census December 1930 census
  Total population No. of Jews % Total population No. of Jews %
1. Kishinev 108843 50237 46.3 114896 41405 36.05
2. Kalarash 5153 4593 89.1 4776 3662 76.7
3. Hantchasht 5044 2278 45.2 6338 1523 24.0
4. Nisporen       5795 380 6.4
5. Tchiutchulan       6203 291 4.7
6. Karpinan       5678 271 4.8
7. Varzarasht       3831 205 5.4
8. Lapushna         165  
9. Voltchinetz         162  
10. Kalarash village         113  
11. Shipoteny         104  
Total 48281 people
In villages with under 100 people 2322 people
Total in district 50603 people

[Page 410]

G. Jewish Population in Bessarabia by district and according to distinct signs:

  Religious affiliation no. of people Knowledge of Yiddish no. of people %
1. Ismail 6433 5832 90.7
2. Orgeyev 19566 19017 97.0
3. Akkerman 11400 11051 97.0
4. Beltz 31916 31200 98.0
5. Bendery 16954 16633 98.1
6. Khotin 36132 35936 99.5
7. Soroca 29510 29127 98.7
8. Cahul 4444 4334 97.5
9. Lapushna (Kishinev) 50603 48148 95.1
Total 206958 201278 97.3

 

H. Number of settlements in Bessarabia according to estimates of Jewish population there:

Districts 101-300 301-500 501-1000 1001-2000 2001-3000 3001-5000 5001-10000 10001-20000 20001-50000 Total
1. Orgeyev 20 2 - - 2- 1- - - - 25
2. Ismail 1 - - 4 - - - - - 5
3. Akkerman 5 2 2 2 - 1 - - - 12
4. Beltz 15 1 - 5 1 1 - 1 - 24
5. Bendery 4 3 2 2 - - 1 - - 12
6. Khotin 12 3 - - - 3 3 - - 21
7. Soroca 15 2 - 4 4 - 1 - - 26
8. Cahul - - 2 - 1 - - - - 3
9. Lapushna (Kishinev) 7 1 - 1 - 1 - - 1 11
Totals 79 14 6 18 8 6 6 1 1 139

Original footnotes:

  1. His source_ “Moniturol ofitsial” (lists from the government), #44, Bucharest, 28 February 1924. Return
  2. In addition to the cities of the district, were also included: (1-4) Bolgrad, Vilkov, Kilya, Roni- in Ismail province; (5) Tuzla- in Akkerman district; (6) Komrat- in Bendery district; (7) Liova- in Cahul district; (8) Kalarash- in Kishinev district. Altogether 17 towns. Return
  3. Among the villages were included: (1-2) Teleneshty, Rozina- in Orgeyev district; (3-6) Artsiz, Byramtcha, Tatarbunar, Tarutino- in Akkerman district; (7-13) Ungany , Alexandroni, Valia-loy-Vlad, Sculeni, Falasht, Pirlitz, Rishkany- in Beltz district; (14-18) Tchana (Potrovka), Tshaderlunge, Tchimishila, Kaushany, Romanovka- in Bendery district; (19-23) Britchany, Yedinitz, Lipcany, Nuvosolitza, Securany- in Khotin district; (24-32) Ōtaki, Britcheva, Dombrovan, Vad-Rashkov, Vertujheni, Zaguritza, Lublin, Markulesht, Kaprosht- in Soroca district; (33-) Bymaklia- in Cahul district; (34) Hantchasht- in Kishinev district. Return
  4. According to the 1928 mini encyclopedia of the Soviet Union, volume A, page 703, the Jewish population came to 11.8% of the entire total of 295700. This would mean close to 34900 people. It is not indicated on what basis these numbers were given. It is possible that it was only according to natural growth. This, without taking into account the demographic disasters at the time. These caused a decrease in the numbers of the Jewish population. They were: immigration overseas after the pogroms of 1903 and 1905, victims of WWI, the annexation of the province by Romania which produced a stream of movement to new areas, and the immigration during 1918-20. Return
  5. Unser Tzeit, #1937, 28 February 1929 Return
  6. Universal Jewish Encyclopedia, N.Y., Volume B, pages 46-47- citing an article by I. Leshtsinsky-number of Jews in Kishinev in 1930 was 80000. There is no basis for this number and it seems to have been only an estimate. Return

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