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Opening Doors: The Unlikely Alliance Between the Irish and the Jews in America
The extraordinary untold story of how Irish and Jewish immigrants worked together to secure legitimacy in America.
Popular belief holds that the various ethnic groups that emigrated to the United States at the turn of the twentieth century regarded one another with open hostility, fiercely competing for limited resources and even coming to blows in the crowded neighborhoods of major cities. One of the most enduring stereotypes is that of rabidly anti-Semitic Irish Catholics, like Father Charles Coughlin of Boston and the sensationalized Gangs of New York trope of Irish street thugs attacking defenseless Jewish immigrants.
In Opening Doors, Hasia R. Diner, one of the world’s preeminent historians of immigration, tells a very different story; far from confrontational, the prevailing relationships between Jewish and Irish Americans were overwhelmingly cooperative, and the two groups were dependent upon one another to secure stable and upwardly mobile lives in their new home. The Irish had emigrated to American cities en masse a generation before the first major wave of Jewish immigrants arrived, and had already entrenched themselves in positions of influence in urban governments, public education, and the labor movement. Jewish newcomers recognized the value of aligning themselves with another group of religious outsiders who were able to stand up and demand rights and respect despite widespread discrimination from the Protestant establishment, and the Irish realized that they could protect their political influence by mentoring their new neighbors in the intricacies of American life.
Opening Doors draws from a deep well of historical sources to show how Irish and Jewish Americans became steadfast allies in classrooms, picket lines, and political machines, and ultimately helped one another become key power players in shaping America’s future. In the wake of rising anti-Semitism and xenophobia today, this informative and accessible work offers an inspiring look at a time when two very different groups were able to find common ground and work together to overcome bigotry, gain representation, and move the country in a more inclusive direction.
Popular belief holds that the various ethnic groups that emigrated to the United States at the turn of the twentieth century regarded one another with open hostility, fiercely competing for limited resources and even coming to blows in the crowded neighborhoods of major cities. One of the most enduring stereotypes is that of rabidly anti-Semitic Irish Catholics, like Father Charles Coughlin of Boston and the sensationalized Gangs of New York trope of Irish street thugs attacking defenseless Jewish immigrants.
In Opening Doors, Hasia R. Diner, one of the world’s preeminent historians of immigration, tells a very different story; far from confrontational, the prevailing relationships between Jewish and Irish Americans were overwhelmingly cooperative, and the two groups were dependent upon one another to secure stable and upwardly mobile lives in their new home. The Irish had emigrated to American cities en masse a generation before the first major wave of Jewish immigrants arrived, and had already entrenched themselves in positions of influence in urban governments, public education, and the labor movement. Jewish newcomers recognized the value of aligning themselves with another group of religious outsiders who were able to stand up and demand rights and respect despite widespread discrimination from the Protestant establishment, and the Irish realized that they could protect their political influence by mentoring their new neighbors in the intricacies of American life.
Opening Doors draws from a deep well of historical sources to show how Irish and Jewish Americans became steadfast allies in classrooms, picket lines, and political machines, and ultimately helped one another become key power players in shaping America’s future. In the wake of rising anti-Semitism and xenophobia today, this informative and accessible work offers an inspiring look at a time when two very different groups were able to find common ground and work together to overcome bigotry, gain representation, and move the country in a more inclusive direction.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 10, 2026
Opening Doors is a scholarly but accessible work about how the Jews and Irish Catholics in America helped each other and served each other's interests beginning back during the age of immigration. The fact that she's talking about how these two peoples were allied based on mutual interests and not out of some sort of desire for interfaith work or attempt to be nice is gratifying, since it's the former that is likely to weave a tighter bond.
The Irish Catholics were here first, their wave of immigration coming around the 1840s, so they were doing the bulk of the initial door opening. The big wave of Eastern European Jews came in the second half of the nineteenth century, up until the slamming of America's door to immigration in 1924.
The Jews needed to learn how to be American, and the best teachers to the masses of urban new arrivals were the Irish Catholics, already filling the big cities. The already established middle European Jews did contribute to the care of the new arrivals but often were more invested in how they needed to change rather than to meeting their immediate needs. Similarly, when it came to urban politics, the socialist Jews were more ideologically focused, so, once again, it was the Irish Catholics to the fore.
The Jews and Irish Catholics had a common interest in breaking through the exclusions posed by Protestants of WASP descent who had gotten to America first and wielded hegemonic power (and to whom the already established Jews tried to assimilate).
When Irish Catholics were no longer the largest of the incoming waves of immigrants, they needed the votes of the Jewish immigrants to maintain their political power. There was a joke about how the Protestant elites might exclude Jews and Catholics from their clubs, but those same Protestants couldn't get into City Hall....
Labor organizing is another area in which the interests of the two groups merged. The Irish, having arrived first, had faced harsh militaristic resistance, but even later the resistance was not insignificant, with Republicans and business interests styling the labor organizing as "terrorists." Here, women's interests became central, as male business owners -- including Jewish ones -- resisted unionizing. So it was often Irish Catholic women organizers who taught Jews how to proceed.
These are two of the main examples of coalition building between Jews and Irish Catholics. Hasia Diner brings in many more examples to weave her picture. Sometimes she may go too far, as she is at pains to show how the meeting between the two peoples when it happened in the streets was mainly benign. Nevertheless the overall picture is a new one for me and a useful one to contemplate.
After the First World War and as the second approached, the interests of the two groups diverged, with the political left becoming the declared enemy of the Church, given its degradation by communism and Soviet Russia. Meanwhile, the far right became the enemy for Jews. While some American Jews turned to communism, most communists worldwide and at home were not Jews, nor were most Jews communists. (In fact, in the US, Hasia Diner says, socialists were bitter enemies of communists, whom they expelled from their ranks. Here, I'm just going to state that she says that was the case, as beyond what I've read about or studied so far. I will state here so that I won't forget, that there were two different Yiddish papers: the socialist one being Forverts, The Jewish Daily Forward [The Forward, still with us in English], and the communist one, Morgen Freiheit, or Morning Freedom [which ended its run in 1988].) Nevertheless, with Nazi sympathies pre-Pearl Harbor spreading in America, it was to their old friends the Irish Catholics to whom Jews turned for political and journalistic support.
And support was forthcoming. The Irish Catholics, remembering how they themselves had been targeted and scapegoated, and knowing that it could come back, spoke out against Nazism and persecution of Jews abroad and at home (Father Charles Coughlin notwithstanding).
Although immigration was not easy during the decades being examined, at least the idea of America was generally positive. If they had come now instead, becoming American would have been that much harder.
Since the text states that Catholics considered the left (meaning the further left, i.e., socialism and communism, which they conflated) their enemy, then would Catholics be less likely than the general American public to affiliate with left wing politics now? By left, I don't mean the Democratic party necessarily, since they were Democrats during the high immigration years. And my AI assistant says yes, that Catholics in general are less likely to consider themselves liberal etc. (That is as far as my research went, so just a possible indicator.)
The book also made me consider that groups attempting to form ties with other groups should focus first on common interests.
I have read one other book by Hasia Diner, Roads Taken (my review). In that book as well as this she created a positive picture of the people she's describing. Her academic specialty has been immigration, primarily Jews but also the Irish, in America: the positive roles the immigrants served, that is. She doesn't whitewash, yet the effect is positive. Yet she is one of those Jewish academics who is down on Israel. It doesn't prove anything, since there are so many diverse opinions. Perhaps she became disillusioned since she was raised in a very Zionist family, but, who knows; she is certainly not lacking in education, although, as I said, history of the middle east isn't her specialty. She would seem to be a diasporist, if that's a going term. So, just another point to consider in light of her positive picture of Jewish immigrants to America and their role.
This book I'd rate 4 stars.
The Irish Catholics were here first, their wave of immigration coming around the 1840s, so they were doing the bulk of the initial door opening. The big wave of Eastern European Jews came in the second half of the nineteenth century, up until the slamming of America's door to immigration in 1924.
The Jews needed to learn how to be American, and the best teachers to the masses of urban new arrivals were the Irish Catholics, already filling the big cities. The already established middle European Jews did contribute to the care of the new arrivals but often were more invested in how they needed to change rather than to meeting their immediate needs. Similarly, when it came to urban politics, the socialist Jews were more ideologically focused, so, once again, it was the Irish Catholics to the fore.
The Jews and Irish Catholics had a common interest in breaking through the exclusions posed by Protestants of WASP descent who had gotten to America first and wielded hegemonic power (and to whom the already established Jews tried to assimilate).
When Irish Catholics were no longer the largest of the incoming waves of immigrants, they needed the votes of the Jewish immigrants to maintain their political power. There was a joke about how the Protestant elites might exclude Jews and Catholics from their clubs, but those same Protestants couldn't get into City Hall....
Labor organizing is another area in which the interests of the two groups merged. The Irish, having arrived first, had faced harsh militaristic resistance, but even later the resistance was not insignificant, with Republicans and business interests styling the labor organizing as "terrorists." Here, women's interests became central, as male business owners -- including Jewish ones -- resisted unionizing. So it was often Irish Catholic women organizers who taught Jews how to proceed.
These are two of the main examples of coalition building between Jews and Irish Catholics. Hasia Diner brings in many more examples to weave her picture. Sometimes she may go too far, as she is at pains to show how the meeting between the two peoples when it happened in the streets was mainly benign. Nevertheless the overall picture is a new one for me and a useful one to contemplate.
After the First World War and as the second approached, the interests of the two groups diverged, with the political left becoming the declared enemy of the Church, given its degradation by communism and Soviet Russia. Meanwhile, the far right became the enemy for Jews. While some American Jews turned to communism, most communists worldwide and at home were not Jews, nor were most Jews communists. (In fact, in the US, Hasia Diner says, socialists were bitter enemies of communists, whom they expelled from their ranks. Here, I'm just going to state that she says that was the case, as beyond what I've read about or studied so far. I will state here so that I won't forget, that there were two different Yiddish papers: the socialist one being Forverts, The Jewish Daily Forward [The Forward, still with us in English], and the communist one, Morgen Freiheit, or Morning Freedom [which ended its run in 1988].) Nevertheless, with Nazi sympathies pre-Pearl Harbor spreading in America, it was to their old friends the Irish Catholics to whom Jews turned for political and journalistic support.
And support was forthcoming. The Irish Catholics, remembering how they themselves had been targeted and scapegoated, and knowing that it could come back, spoke out against Nazism and persecution of Jews abroad and at home (Father Charles Coughlin notwithstanding).
Although immigration was not easy during the decades being examined, at least the idea of America was generally positive. If they had come now instead, becoming American would have been that much harder.
Since the text states that Catholics considered the left (meaning the further left, i.e., socialism and communism, which they conflated) their enemy, then would Catholics be less likely than the general American public to affiliate with left wing politics now? By left, I don't mean the Democratic party necessarily, since they were Democrats during the high immigration years. And my AI assistant says yes, that Catholics in general are less likely to consider themselves liberal etc. (That is as far as my research went, so just a possible indicator.)
The book also made me consider that groups attempting to form ties with other groups should focus first on common interests.
I have read one other book by Hasia Diner, Roads Taken (my review). In that book as well as this she created a positive picture of the people she's describing. Her academic specialty has been immigration, primarily Jews but also the Irish, in America: the positive roles the immigrants served, that is. She doesn't whitewash, yet the effect is positive. Yet she is one of those Jewish academics who is down on Israel. It doesn't prove anything, since there are so many diverse opinions. Perhaps she became disillusioned since she was raised in a very Zionist family, but, who knows; she is certainly not lacking in education, although, as I said, history of the middle east isn't her specialty. She would seem to be a diasporist, if that's a going term. So, just another point to consider in light of her positive picture of Jewish immigrants to America and their role.
This book I'd rate 4 stars.
August 6, 2024
American Historian Hasia Diner returns with Opening Doors, a study focused on the inter-ethnic support between Jews and Irish in the United States from the 19th century to the 1930s. It is a nuanced study, addressing both the tensions between the two groups, but mostly focusing on the support and cooperation in the areas of politics, labor, and education.
Diner's work is divided into six chapters, each pursuing a specific theme (Chapter 1: American Meeting Places, Chapter 2: Defending the Jews... etc.). Like any strong work of history, they draw from both archives, memoirs and other research based sources. Diner looks at several geographic regions beyond the expected New York, also making note of Scranton, PA, Boston, Chicago and other cities. Diner also highlights the experiences of specific individuals and their work or accomplishments. Chapter 5, Classroom Lessons looks at all levels of education, noting the acceptance of catholic colleges and universities to Jewish students at a time when the ivy league schools had fixed quotas.
Overall it is a positive work showing how in many cases the already established Catholic Irish used their places and power to the benefit of the Jewish immigrants. It was not altruistic, there was give and take, particular of the political persuasion, but together these two groups support each other against the more entrenched and less tolerant protestant power holders.
The time frame covered is of particular importance as this 50 (ish) year block was a peak of immigration from Europe to the United States and ends in the shadow of World War II and the rise of international anti-semitism.
Recommended reading to readers or researchers of American History, inter-group cooperation or American Politics.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Diner's work is divided into six chapters, each pursuing a specific theme (Chapter 1: American Meeting Places, Chapter 2: Defending the Jews... etc.). Like any strong work of history, they draw from both archives, memoirs and other research based sources. Diner looks at several geographic regions beyond the expected New York, also making note of Scranton, PA, Boston, Chicago and other cities. Diner also highlights the experiences of specific individuals and their work or accomplishments. Chapter 5, Classroom Lessons looks at all levels of education, noting the acceptance of catholic colleges and universities to Jewish students at a time when the ivy league schools had fixed quotas.
Overall it is a positive work showing how in many cases the already established Catholic Irish used their places and power to the benefit of the Jewish immigrants. It was not altruistic, there was give and take, particular of the political persuasion, but together these two groups support each other against the more entrenched and less tolerant protestant power holders.
The time frame covered is of particular importance as this 50 (ish) year block was a peak of immigration from Europe to the United States and ends in the shadow of World War II and the rise of international anti-semitism.
Recommended reading to readers or researchers of American History, inter-group cooperation or American Politics.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
May 10, 2024
3 1/2 stars rounded down. I was slightly disappointed. I was hoping for a book that would give me an insight to some interesting history that I found curious but didn’t know much about. Don’t get me wrong, this had A LOT of information but it was just way too dense for my liking. It felt like a bad history lesson.
There were some interesting parts that I wish the author would have focused on more, while only highlighting other parts. Also, there were sections where she was jumping around in time which had me losing track and needing to reread parts.
Obviously there was a lot of research put into this, the author also obviously knows an extensive amount about this topic, but if your description of the book says “an extraordinary untold story,” then it should be written extraordinarily. This was not that. Great if someone needs to write a research paper regarding this specific topic, but I think if it was written slightly differently using an approach that would draw the reader in and keep them interested (this can be done in history books, I’ve read a few) then this book could appeal to more readers. Great topic, boring execution.
***Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Hasia R. Diner for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review***
There were some interesting parts that I wish the author would have focused on more, while only highlighting other parts. Also, there were sections where she was jumping around in time which had me losing track and needing to reread parts.
Obviously there was a lot of research put into this, the author also obviously knows an extensive amount about this topic, but if your description of the book says “an extraordinary untold story,” then it should be written extraordinarily. This was not that. Great if someone needs to write a research paper regarding this specific topic, but I think if it was written slightly differently using an approach that would draw the reader in and keep them interested (this can be done in history books, I’ve read a few) then this book could appeal to more readers. Great topic, boring execution.
***Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Hasia R. Diner for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review***
October 26, 2025
Hasia R. Diner’s Opening Doors challenges the myth of Irish Jewish hostility with a compelling, well researched account of their cooperation in early twentieth century America. Far from clashing, these groups formed a strategic alliance to navigate a discriminatory society. Diner, a leading immigration historian, draws on letters, newspapers, and oral histories to show how Irish immigrants, established in urban politics and labor unions, mentored Jewish newcomers, who in turn bolstered Irish influence.
The book shines in its vivid depiction of settings like classrooms and picket lines, where Irish teachers guided Jewish students and workers stood together against exploitation. Diner’s accessible style makes complex history engaging, especially her stories of Tammany Hall alliances. However, she could have explored occasional tensions to add nuance, and the focus on cities like New York leaves rural dynamics untouched.
Opening Doors is a timely read, offering hope in an era of rising division. It reveals how two outsider groups reshaped America through solidarity. This book is perfect for anyone curious about immigration or ethnic alliances, though it left me wanting more personal voices from the era.
The book shines in its vivid depiction of settings like classrooms and picket lines, where Irish teachers guided Jewish students and workers stood together against exploitation. Diner’s accessible style makes complex history engaging, especially her stories of Tammany Hall alliances. However, she could have explored occasional tensions to add nuance, and the focus on cities like New York leaves rural dynamics untouched.
Opening Doors is a timely read, offering hope in an era of rising division. It reveals how two outsider groups reshaped America through solidarity. This book is perfect for anyone curious about immigration or ethnic alliances, though it left me wanting more personal voices from the era.
June 28, 2025
A very convincing argument. Although one can find overlaps and alliances between many groups in society, there were aspects of the Irish life in America from mid-19th century through the mid-20th century that gave them an importance often overlooked in popular history. Everybody knows about the big city political machines, but the importance of the Irish in the labor movement is less understood. (I think that the author might have exaggerated the dominance Irish teachers in public schools.)
Diner shows, by an accumulation of stories, how the Irish were central to the later success of Jews in this country. Her argument piles on names and institutions, making it a bit hard to keep everything on track (and sometimes the text is repetitious) but the book is very readable and valuable.
This book really does focus on a particular historical relationship. It would be worth looking elsewhere for background on racism, anti-Semitism, and anti-Catholic agitation. Similarly, the complicated relations that both Irish and Jews had with African-Americans is not treated much here—but that would be out of scope.
Diner shows, by an accumulation of stories, how the Irish were central to the later success of Jews in this country. Her argument piles on names and institutions, making it a bit hard to keep everything on track (and sometimes the text is repetitious) but the book is very readable and valuable.
This book really does focus on a particular historical relationship. It would be worth looking elsewhere for background on racism, anti-Semitism, and anti-Catholic agitation. Similarly, the complicated relations that both Irish and Jews had with African-Americans is not treated much here—but that would be out of scope.
October 26, 2025
In Opening Doors, Hasia R. Diner masterfully upends the stereotype of Irish Jewish rivalry, revealing a story of mutual support that shaped urban America. Using rich archival sources, Diner shows how Irish immigrants, entrenched in city governments and unions, helped Jewish newcomers navigate discrimination, while Jews strengthened Irish political clout.
The book’s strength lies in its detailed yet accessible storytelling. Scenes of Irish teachers aiding Jewish students or joint labor strikes are both inspiring and grounded. Diner’s focus on political machines like Tammany Hall highlights how these groups turned marginalization into power. Her prose is clear, making this a great read for historians and casual readers alike.
My only critique is that the emphasis on cooperation sometimes overshadows moments of friction, which could have added depth. More direct quotes from immigrants would have brought the story alive further. Still, Opening Doors is a must-read for its fresh perspective on immigration history and its relevance to today’s debates on unity and inclusion. It’s a reminder that unlikely alliances can change a nation.
The book’s strength lies in its detailed yet accessible storytelling. Scenes of Irish teachers aiding Jewish students or joint labor strikes are both inspiring and grounded. Diner’s focus on political machines like Tammany Hall highlights how these groups turned marginalization into power. Her prose is clear, making this a great read for historians and casual readers alike.
My only critique is that the emphasis on cooperation sometimes overshadows moments of friction, which could have added depth. More direct quotes from immigrants would have brought the story alive further. Still, Opening Doors is a must-read for its fresh perspective on immigration history and its relevance to today’s debates on unity and inclusion. It’s a reminder that unlikely alliances can change a nation.
October 30, 2025
Hasia R. Diner’s Opening Doors completely reshaped how I view immigrant history in America. I was fascinated by the way she highlights the cooperation between Irish and Jewish immigrants two groups often thought to be rivals, yet united by shared struggles and dreams. One moment that stayed with me was the story of Irish teachers helping Jewish children adjust to American schools a small act that symbolized a bridge between cultures.
This book stands out because it replaces the old tales of conflict with inspiring examples of empathy and alliance. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in history, identity, and the power of collaboration.
Don’t miss this uplifting account of how two communities changed America together open Opening Doors and see history through a new lens!
This book stands out because it replaces the old tales of conflict with inspiring examples of empathy and alliance. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in history, identity, and the power of collaboration.
Don’t miss this uplifting account of how two communities changed America together open Opening Doors and see history through a new lens!
October 30, 2025
Hasia R. Diner delivers something truly special in Opening Doors. Rather than focusing on conflict, she reveals the deep cooperation between Irish and Jewish immigrants who helped one another find belonging in a new world. I especially enjoyed the scene describing Irish political mentors guiding Jewish newcomers into city governance a powerful symbol of trust and shared ambition.
This book stands out because it connects the past to today’s struggles for inclusion and representation. Readers who enjoy cultural history or simply love stories of people lifting each other up will be drawn to it.
Discover the history of compassion that helped shape America get Opening Doors and be inspired by what unity can accomplish!
This book stands out because it connects the past to today’s struggles for inclusion and representation. Readers who enjoy cultural history or simply love stories of people lifting each other up will be drawn to it.
Discover the history of compassion that helped shape America get Opening Doors and be inspired by what unity can accomplish!
October 30, 2025
Opening Doors is a beautifully written reminder that progress often comes from unexpected partnerships. Hasia R. Diner brings the Irish-Jewish alliance to life with warmth and clarity, showing how they stood together in classrooms, workplaces, and politics to claim their place in America. My favorite part was reading about Irish labor leaders standing shoulder to shoulder with Jewish workers during strikes a vivid image of courage and shared purpose.
This book stands out for its humanity and its message: real strength lies in unity. It’s perfect for readers who love well-researched history that feels personal and relevant.
Step into this inspiring story of solidarity and hope Opening Doors will leave you believing in the power of working together.
This book stands out for its humanity and its message: real strength lies in unity. It’s perfect for readers who love well-researched history that feels personal and relevant.
Step into this inspiring story of solidarity and hope Opening Doors will leave you believing in the power of working together.
May 23, 2025
Really interesting book on the history of Jewish and Irish relations in the early 1900’s. It explained how much they needed each other, the Irish needed the Jews to maintain their political power, and the Jews needed someone to help them and back them and show them way. It is kind is surprising how close the relations between American Irish and American Jews were and probably still are, while the people in Ireland really don’t have a love for Jews. I only gave this a four because some of the part were a little difficult to get through.
April 15, 2026
Exceptional book! I learned quite a bit and the stories, anecdotes and history is fascinating. Her introduction set the scene for a wonderful read and her thematic chapters were interesting and insightful. One of the best books I have read in a long time! I would love to discuss this book with friends and colleagues!
May 15, 2024
An interesting story that ís actually a long lesson of political history and could be used in political or history classes as supplemental reading material., I know it taught me a lot about both the Irish and the Jewish people that I didn't remember and I grew up on the time era
January 19, 2025
very interesting history
A lot of this was unknown to me and was very insightful. (I will add, a little more editing would be helpful as there were some repeated areas. However, this does not take away from the book’s history lessons.)
A lot of this was unknown to me and was very insightful. (I will add, a little more editing would be helpful as there were some repeated areas. However, this does not take away from the book’s history lessons.)
December 24, 2025
This reads more like a thesis than a nonfiction book for the populace. Heavily researched with focus primarily on the Irish.
April 25, 2024
This is an interesting book delving into an underexplored aspect of US history. I think this would especially be of interest to Irish Americans or Jewish American people looking to understand more about what our ancestors experienced when coming to America.
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April 29, 2024Just won this book through the GoodReads giveaway page. Thanks for selecting me
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews