Straight White American Jesus A Jewish Holy Land in Texas? Immigration, Assimilation, and Making Land Holy with Rachel Cockerell
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Jul 7, 2025 Rachel Cockerell, author of *Melting Point*, uncovers the intriguing history of the Galveston Movement, where 10,000 Russian Jews sought refuge in Texas over a century ago. She shares her personal journey of uncovering these hidden narratives, emphasizing their quest for identity and belonging in a foreign land. The discussion dives into the complexities of assimilation, the spiritual aspect of migration, and how this little-known chapter challenges contemporary views on immigration and the meaning of 'home' in America.
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Kishinev Pogrom Sparks Migration
- The Kishinev pogrom was a turning point for Russian Jews, sparking large-scale migration.
- It exposed the urgent need for refuge outside the Russian Empire due to escalating persecution.
Alternative Zionism in Texas
- Israel Zangwill and David Jockelson founded the Jewish Territorial Organization as a rival to mainstream Zionism.
- They sought an alternative Jewish homeland outside Palestine, famously stating, "If we cannot get the holy land we can make another land holy."
Making Land Holy Elsewhere
- The idea of making another land holy shows how communities adapt sacredness to new homelands.
- This challenges the notion that the Holy Land’s sanctity is fixed and unchangeable.
