Integration Strategies of Relocates in Israel

The start of the Special Military Operation triggered a new migration wave in March 2022, which, thanks to the federal media, was dubbed "relocation". According to estimates by various research centers, the number of relocates who left Russia from February 24, 2022 to August 31, 2024 amounted to 1 million people. This study focuses on relocates who left for Israel. Against the general background, they were distinguished by special rights that the host party granted them and the impossibility of spontaneous relocation. The aim of the study was to identify the key factors facilitating the integration of relocates into the Israeli host community and to formulate options for integration strategies. A field study using repeated interviews was designed to address the following objectives: identifying the distinctive characteristics of Israeli relocates; identifying the relationship between the initial motives for relocation and its success over a specific time period; and developing recommendations regarding the most successful behavioral algorithm for relocates seeking to integrate into the Israeli host community. First, 16 informal interviews-acquaintances were conducted. Further, 10 follow-up interviews were conducted, during which respondents prepared maps of the city they live in, photos and videos of places they consider important for their integration, and even illustrations of these places. The time interval between the first and second interviews averaged 2 months. The follow-up interview method allowed us to observe the integration process in dynamics. Analysis of field data allowed us to formulate integration strategies that are conscious behavioral models and contain a specific set of actions that help the relocate achieve the goals set before moving. The main factors that both contribute to and hinder the integration of relocates into the host community in Israel were also identified. The author declares no conflict of interests.

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