Tags: Ethnic Group.
The History of the Jews in Latvia dates back to the first Jewish colony established in Piltene in 1571. Jews contributed to Latvia’s development until the Northern War (1700–1721) which decimated Latvia’s population. The Jewish community reestablished itself in the 18th century mainly through an influx from Prussia and came to play a principal role in the economic life of Latvia.Under an independent Latvia Jews formed political parties and participated as members of parliament.
