The Jewish Colonization Association , started in 1891 by the Baron Maurice de Hirsch , was started to help move many Jews from Russia and other Eastern European countries . The Jewish Colonization Association , created in 1891 by the Baron Maurice de Hirsch , was aimed at facilitating mass emigration of Jews from Russia and other Eastern European countries , by settling them in agricultural colonies on lands purchased by the committee , particularly in North and South America ( especially Argentina ) .