Language:
English
Year of publication:
2022
Titel der Quelle:
Contemporary Jewry
Angaben zur Quelle:
42,1 (2022) 43-60
Keywords:
National characteristics, Israeli
;
Social integration
;
Jews, French Social conditions
;
Jews Identity
Abstract:
This study focuses on a purposive sample of 30 immigrants from France, students at the Technion Institute of Technology, and examines the following from the participants' perspectives: (1) the process of integration into Israeli society while wanting to remain out of any ethnic/religious bubbles in which French immigrants insulated themselves once in Israel and (2) the dynamics of identity formation when becoming Israeli. During in-depth interviews, participants mentioned a strengthened Jewish identity and Zionism consequent to the anti-Israel climate of France, as well as their fascination with modern Israel and its technology as incentives for emigration. Once in the Technion, they intentionally separated themselves from their Francophone milieu to master the Hebrew language and interact with other Israelis in the army, dorms, and study groups. At the time of the interviews, 5–10 years postmigration, the participants were fluent in Hebrew and felt part of the Israeli society. In the process of identity formation, the Jewish, Zionist, and at times religious dimensions defining them when in France had become united rather than absorbed into their Israeli identity. Additionally, at first denying any French component in their identity, their manners and education emerged as worthy of integration when confronting the chutzpah of some Israelis. Fluent in both languages and appreciating both cultures, they communicated mostly in Hebrew and engaged in French–Hebrew code switching with French friends, parents, and relatives. Rejecting the ethnic/religious bubbles that isolated French immigrants from other Israelis, they felt Israeli and part of modern Israel’s society and culture.
DOI:
10.1007/s12397-022-09413-6
URL:
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