Abstract
This study focuses on American immigration to Israel or aliyah. The specific time frame of the project is the period after the establishment of the State of Israel. The idea of Jews making aliyah has been around for thousands of years. Returning to Eretz Yisrael is one of the 613 commandments in the Torah. While many Americans immigrate to Israel, it is more of a modern phenomenon. To understand a few factors and motivations for immigrating to Israel, I interviewed three people living in Israel and one rabbi living in the United States. Four themes emerged from the responses. Many of my findings were consistent with information presented in the literature review and theory chapter. From the responses, I also learned of the importance of organizational trips to Israel and the part they play in encouraging people to move. Overall, the biggest theme was identity and how it factored in the decision to move and make a home in Israel.
Advisor
Hettinger, Madonna
Second Advisor
Kardulias, P. Nicholas
Department
History; Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Bell, Kristen, "Independent Study Is-Real (Israel): An Examination of American Immigration to Israel" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5955.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/5955
Publication Date
2014
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2014 Kristen Bell