Larissa Remeniick discuss the origins and present condition of the new (post-2010) Israeli diaspora in Berlin
In this lecture, 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, cultural and educational institutions. Lastly, I explore these émigrés’ ties with Israel and conclude that many are sojourners rather than immigrants and that Berlin is but one phase in their life journey.
