Publisher's Synopsis
This title explores the post-1989 migration of Soviet Jews to Israel, a subject area which despite its importance is as yet unexplored.;The author focuses on what he believes is the negative impact of this migration on the prospects for a political settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. As Soviet Jews have migrated into Israel, many have been placed in the West Bank at the same time as displaced Palestinians have been refused repatriation.;Professor Quigley also considers the economic effects of the migration for the existing Palestinian and Jewish populations in Israel. The influx of more immigrants has worsened the job and housing situation for the Palestinians while failing to serve the intentions of the Israeli government.;The migrants are motivated more by economics than by a specific desire to live in a Jewish state to escape repression. Many would have gone to the United States if they had not been denied the opportunity by Israeli endeavours, and as a result of this thwarted desire they have not been welcomed by the resident Israelis.;The book has been written in an innovative way. Though mostly non-fiction, eight chapters are fictional, tracing a Soviet Jewish couple from Moscow to Israel and their interaction with a Palestinian family there. The author's aim is to convey how both the immigrating Soviets and the Palestinians react to the peculiar situation that this immigration has created for them. These chapters are based on research and on the author's personal friendships with Soviet Jews who have migrated to Israel.
