Introduction

In 1906 several self-appointed leaders of the American Jewish community-the established, “uptown” Jews of German origin—were deeply concerned about the welfare and fate of Russian Jewry. The American Jewish Committee (AJC) leaders regarded their American identity and Jewish Identity with equal and non-conflicting respect. “Americans of the Jewish faith” was the way that Jacob H. Schiff preferred to describe himself and his Jewish brethren. The AJC’s concern with Russian-Jewish immigration not only led to the consideration of the deplorable conditions that caused mass emigration from Russia, but also to an extensive lobbying effort in the area of foreign policy. Much historical Interest has centered upon the differences and tensions between German and Russian Jews in America. Three major studies of lobbying that ignore ethnic groups are: Grant McConnell, Private Power and American Democracy; B. Pendelton Herring, Group Representation Before Congress; and David B. Truman, The Governmental Process.