The history of the Jews in Russia dates back to the 8th century, with significant communities forming in the Kievan Rus region. Over the centuries, Jews faced various challenges, including restrictions on residency and occupation, particularly during the Pale of Settlement established in the 18th century, which confined them to specific areas. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, anti-Semitic policies intensified, leading to violent pogroms and widespread discrimination. The Russian Revolution of 1917 initially offered hope for Jewish rights, but the rise of the Soviet Union brought new challenges, including state-sponsored anti-religious campaigns and repression of Jewish culture.