Jewish Pale of Settlement

The Pale of Settlement was a designated region in the Russian Empire where Jewish residents were permitted to live, established in the late 18th century. It covered parts of modern-day Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Outside this area, Jews faced restrictions on residency, land ownership, and certain professions, reflecting systemic discrimination. The Pale aimed to contain Jewish communities while regulating their movement and economic activities. It persisted until the early 20th century, impacting Jewish social, economic, and political life by restricting opportunities and fostering communal resilience amid adversity.