בין מולדת לתפוצה: תנועת הנוער "צופי צבר" ויצירת זהות אתנית בקרב צאצאי מהגרים ישראלים בארצות הברית

The study examines the impact of the Tzofim Tzabar youth movement on the formation of an ethno-national identity among second generation Israeli migrants living in the United States. Three research questions were asked: first, what is the role of Tzofim Tzabar activities in creating an ethnic identity and identification? Second, what are the main expressions of identity and identification of the youth movement members and how do we define their social networks: Jewish, Israeli, or other? And third, how do the agents of socialization, and especially Tzofim Tzabar activities, contribute to the process of ethnic identity formation. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study showed that similar to other groups of second generation migrants, the descendants of Israelis abroad are strongly influenced by their host culture and gradually lose touch with their 'homeland' culture. And despite meaningful identification with Israel and Judaism, including a desire to socialize with other Israelis and Jews and consume Israeli culture, the assimilative tendencies of the second generation Israelis were stronger than those of the 1.5 generation Israelis. Tzofim Tzabar activities seem to play an important role in slowing down this pattern of assimilation, although the effort to weaken this trend requires closer involvement from parents, and more careful consideration of the dynamic nature of second generation identities when designing educational programs. While such programs are not likely to reverse assimilation, we propose that potentially they can both strengthen Diasporic connections with other Israeli migrants and facilitate a symbolic sense of common faith with the Israeli state and society.