| Born as a Russian city in 1794 after being wrested from the Turks, Odessa became a major destination for Galician and Polish Jews after the reforms of Alexander II in 1861. There were few restrictions on Jews in Odessa, allowing them to prosper and became a driving force in the city.
And there was also great economic opportunity in this port city of moderate temperatures and a diverse population. It had beautiful architecture designed by the Frenchman the Duke de Richelieu, and a very well developed cultural life with theater, opera, and museums.
This is not to say there was no poverty or want or anti-Semitism but there was, above all else, opportunity. | |
