"This paper aims to supply information on the factors that motivated large masses of Jews to leave the former Soviet Union and settle in Israel during the last few years. Also investigated is the relationship between Jewish identity and the decision to immigrate to Israel. Finally, the study examines the connection between immigrants' Jewish and Israeli identity and their predisposition to stay in Israel or to re-emigrate elsewhere. The findings indicate that the current Jewish emigration from the former USSR has, to a significant extent, the character of free choice, and that the decision to come to Israel is highly correlated with the respondents' commitment to their Jewishness and to the Jewish people." (EXCERPT)

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cultural anthropology perception Israel population Migrants demography Population Dynamics Asia Ethnic Groups Self-perception ethnic group Western Asia Developed Countries Asia, Western Mediterranean Countries USSR Temporary Migration Cultural Background psychology Psychological Factors Jew Jews Behavior self concept Article migration developed country population and population related phenomena Demographic Factors Emigration and Immigration International Migration--determinants Transients and Migrants Population Characteristics social behavior Culture immigrants