The Israeli Diaspora in Berlin: Back to Being Jewish?
Author(s)
Publication Name
Publication Date
Abstract
In this ethnographic essay, I reflect on the origins and present condition of the new (post-2010) Israeli diaspora in Berlin. Based on 10 months of participant observation, I map out the main sub-streams of this emigration; elicit the economic, professional, and political reasons for leaving Israel; and explore these émigrés’ initial encounter with German society. My observations suggest that many Israeli residents of Berlin (mostly secular) rediscover their Jewishness along diasporic lines and forge ties with the local religious and community organizations. Being a small minority in the German-speaking milieu, Israelis invest in building their own Hebrew-based community networks, including media outlets and cultural and educational institutions. Lastly, I explore these émigrés’ ties with Israel and conclude that many Israelis in Berlin are sojourners rather than immigrants and that Berlin is but one phase in their life journey.
Topics
Main Topic: Identity and Community Jewish Identity Israeli Expatriates Diaspora Ethnography Emigration Immigration
Genre
Geographic Coverage
Original Language
Page Number
88–109
DOI
Link
Link to article (paywalled), The Israeli Diaspora in Berlin: Back to Being Jewish?
Bibliographic Information
The Israeli Diaspora in Berlin: Back to Being Jewish?. 2019: 88–109. https://archive.jpr.org.uk/10.3167/isr.2019.340106
