Formal and Informal Support Arrangements in Israeli Absorption of Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union

Publication Date: June 1996

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Nachman Sharon

Research Area: Population and demographics; Social conditions

Keywords: Social Services; Immigration; FSU

Type: Report

Coverage: Israel

Abstract:

The article explores the sources of assistance selected and preferred by new immigrants in meeting a variety of daily needs, including seeking employment, selecting schools, and choosing a health care provider. In several key areas, in particular negotiating and obtaining information about local systems, volunteers are the preferred source of assistance, whereas governmental services are used when more tangible outcomes in finding employment and housing are sought. Immigrants who were adopted by Israeli families perceive their initial adjustment as more successful in several key areas and are more likely to seek assistance from volunteers for their daily needs than non-adopted immigrants. Therefore, the family adoption program should be expanded.

In Journal of Jewish Communal Service, v.72 no.4, Summer 1996.