This paper centers on problems that arise between the integration authorities and Ethiopian immigrants due to misunderstanding of the latter's cultural codes. It was observed that Ethiopian immigrants, upon their arrival in Israel, perceive Israeli absorbers as figures of authority. Hence, an Ethiopian behavioural code is applied, which dictates specific behaviors as well as certain expectations from the absorbers. These are misinterpreted by the absorption authorities, who bring to the encounter their own values, expectations of the Ethiopian immigrants, and norms of Israeli society. Failures in communication are explained on the basis of a) the absorbers' lack of specific knowledge of Ethiopian cognitive maps and construction of reality, and b) the psychological processes the absorbers undergo while facing the Ethiopian immigrant. Specific measures are suggested to remedy these cross-cultural misunderstandings. © 2011, by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. All rights reserved.

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