Children of Perestroika in Israel

Children of Perestroika in Israel explores the absorption processes of adolescents from the former Soviet Union into Israeli society. The writers examine the phenomenon from a personal perspective, dealing with values, self confidence, achievement motivation, and the ability to cope with the situation; from a family perspective, discussing family structure and functioning. They present a societal perspective, viewing public opinion toward new immigrants, educational policies, and acceptance of the new immigrants by the Israeli youth. Finally, they assess the outcomes of integration through academic achievements, social functioning and acquisition of values. They found that the adjustment of the immigrants of the nineties has been quite different from the last wave of immigrants from the Soviet Union in the seventies. The previous immigrants assimilated quickly since immigration was perceived as a family move rooted in Zionist ideology and clear-cut, coherent values. The children of Perestroika have not functioned nearly as well in school, somewhat due to the policies and strategies of Israel in meeting the changed needs of these immigrants. Also, less accepting attitudes among the immigrants and the Israelis has made it more difficult for the needs of the children to be accommodated.