1920s – Eastern European Jews began moving into Brighton Beach
Mid 1940s – Larger influx of Jewish refugees following World War II because of persecution
Mid 1960s – Jews emigrated from Soviet Union because of compromise between US and Soviet
Union. However, this immigration into the US was slowed down because Israel won the Six-Day War, drawing Jews toward Israel.
Mid to late 1970s – Some immigrants started to buy storefronts along Brighton Beach Avenue; loosening of Soviet emigration restrictions led to almost 23,000 people coming to US
Early to mid 1980s – Soviet Union occupation of Afghanistan and tensions between US and Soviet Union led to a substantial decrease in immigration (less than 500 a year); establishment of ethnic shops.
Early 1990s – Last biggest wave of Russian-speaking immigrants. Collapse of the Soviet Union revived immigration. More non-Jewish people made up this group of immigrants than previous immigrations.
Source:
Lewine, Edward. “From Brighton Beach to America; The Wave of Immigrants Began 25 Years Ago. Soon Russian Filled the Streets. Now, the Tide Is Ebbing.” New York Times [New York] 14 Mar. 1999. New York Times. The New York Times Company. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
