Abstract
Migration scholars are increasingly interested in the integration experiences and identity dilemmas of the 1.5 immigrant generation. This article examines the activities of Fishka, an association of young Russian Israelis living in Tel-Aviv and vicinity, who immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union as older children or adolescents. Our empirical analysis draws upon the concepts of social and cultural capital in immigration and explores how the hybrid forms of cultural production emerge at the intersection between various tiers of Russian culture and Israeli realities that surround them. The article explores the acts of cultural translation of various activities and genres from Russian to Hebrew and vice versa. By introducing these hybrid forms of cultural capital to their native peers, the 1.5-ers take pride in their heritage, elevate the prestige of Russian culture in Israel and ultimately reinforce their feelings of belonging to the new country. Our findings highlight ethnic hierarchies (imported from the country of origin or created in Israel) that shape the practices of distinction and boundary building among young Russian Israelis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 17-34 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Journal of Intercultural Studies |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2 Jan 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2015 Taylor & Francis.
Funding
This research was supported by Sociological Institute for Community Studies at Bar-Ilan University. The authors are grateful to the founders and leaders of Fishka (particularly to Helen Buchumensky, Rita Brudnik and Nadia Greenberg) for their welcome and support of our fieldwork. We appreciate the time and cooperation of our informants who frankly shared with us their immigration stories and experience at Fishka. The responsibility for the interpretation of these narratives rests with the authors alone. Some informants also mentioned the importance of cultivated and fashionable looks when appearing at Fishka’s events, particularly for women who typically wear makeup, professional haircuts, polished nails and elegant shoes. This emphasis on groomed feminine looks hints at the casual (or unisex) appearance of many Sabras who come to Fishka. A couple of successful Tel-Aviv fashion designers (Frau Blau label) are among the club’s patrons who also supply the stage costumes and clothes for project leaders, concert anchors, etc. Altogether, these manifestations of cultural finesse and good taste make a claim at these young immigrants’ special place in the ranks of Tel-Aviv bohemia, their stake in creation of the city’s thriving habitus, and at least parity (if not superiority) with other young creators who are native Israelis. This attitude is also supported by Fishka’s main donor – the Genesis Foundation for Russian Jewry. Here is an excerpt from an interview with Sana Britavsky, head of Genesis Tel-Aviv branch:
| Funders |
|---|
| Genesis Foundation for Russian Jewry |
| Sociological Institute for Community Studies at Bar-Ilan University |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
Keywords
- 1.5 Generation
- Cultural Capital
- Cultural Translation
- Hybridity
- Migration
- Russian Israelis
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