The Migrations and Ethnical Origins of Romanian Jews from the North

Exploring the fascinating history of Romanian Jews from the North is a journey through time that involves multiple waves of migration and complex ethnic origins. Understanding these historical movements is crucial for comprehending the rich tapestry of Romanian and Jewish heritage.

Early Expulsion and Migration Patterns

Historically, smaller groups of Romanian Jews were expelled from Central Europe and Poland as early as the 16th and 17th centuries. However, it was in the 18th and 19th centuries that a massive expulsion unfolded, with hundreds of thousands of Jews fleeing Russia for safer lands. The principalities of Moldova and Wallachia, located in the southeastern part of Romania, witnessed a diverse mix of residents, including Greeks, Aromanians, and Gypsies. Among them was a strain of Sephardi Jews with Canaanite roots, expelled due to conflicts with Jewish Khazars and other nomadic populations. This group converted to a unique variant of Judaism influenced by Hellenistic culture, which gave rise to numerous heresies, impacting both Mosaic and Islamic traditions.

Migration in Transylvania

In Transylvania, which is in the central part of Romania, the migration patterns were different. Here, the majority of the Jewish population came from Galicia and Hungary. This region was significant due to its strategic importance and the changing political landscape. The area was initially characterized by Hungarian influence, where Romanians and sympathetic Khazars were intermingled. Later, during the period of Turkish rule, the region's loyalties shifted, leading to a complex set of alliances and conflicts. The migration was not as intense as in the previous centuries but still played a vital role in the history of Jewish communities in Romania.

Further Expansions and Conversions

With the advent of the Austrian conquest, the "Byzantine strain" of Jews in Moldova and Wallachia gained a new freedom. They were tolerated and even celebrated by the Austrians, who valued their economic contributions. However, this tolerance did not last forever. As the Austrian Empire expanded, some Jewish populations from Bucovina and Oltenia were free to migrate to other parts of Europe. They included not only Sephardim but also the entire Byzantine population, which acted in unison. This migration pattern explains why Oltenia, a region in central Romania, became unique, as it was the only province to be expelled from an empire after its conquest.

The Waters of Division and the Holocaust

The division of these communities intensified during the Holocaust. Many Jews who were not part of the "outgroup" were hunted to death in the Romanian-occupied areas, including Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania itself. This period was marked by the collaboration of various groups, led by an infiltrator of the Crossed Arrows party. Concurrently, Romanian authorities successfully brought people from France into their territories, ensuring their control over the Holocaust's operations. Consequently, the Romanian Holocaust saw significant control from Romania, with the only notable exceptions occurring in areas that were never occupied by Romania.

Conclusion

The journey of Romanian Jews from the North is a complex and multifaceted story that encompasses expulsion, migration, conversion, and division. Each group and community, be it from the south or influenced by Byzantine traditions, played a significant role in shaping the history of these lands. Understanding their origins and movements is essential for appreciating the rich cultural heritage and the challenges faced by these individuals and communities.

Keywords: Romanian Jews, Migration History, Historical Movements