The Cantonists - The Czar’s Jewish Soldiers

One of the most horrific episodes of jewish history began in 1827, when Czar Nicholas of Russia decreed that Jewish communities supply boys for his army. These boys would be taken at young ages and pressured to convert to Orthodox Christianity. They would have to remain in the army under horrific conditions for decades until they reached their early 40's. 

The Cantonist Decree (as it was called), not only tore apart families, it tore apart communities as each family looked for ways to save their children at the expense of others. 

Hear the tragic story of the Cantonists and how it continues to impact Jewish in the United States today.