Strategies for the Repatriation of Modern Russian Youth with Jewish Roots

The last five years have seen an increase in the number of repatriates from Russia to Israel, many of whom are young people with good life prospects in the country of origin. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to study the strategies for the repatriation of Russian youth with Jewish roots. To solve it, the following tasks were set: to identify the causes and motives of the move, to study the differences in the social spaces of repatriates, to determine the types of driving forces of those who move, to study the phased repatriation process, to identify the types of repatriation strategies. With the help of a review of empirical research, we examined the current situation of Russian Jews and people with Jewish roots in Russia, focusing on the young representatives of this social group. We also studied the socio-demographic data and migration statistics associated with them, and examined in more detail the country to which they are repatriating. In addition, we studied a number of theories of international migration from different sciences, due to which we formed a theoretical framework of research, identified the most important features of this phenomenon and put forward a number of assumptions. The empirical base of the study comprised 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews with young Russians who are currently in the process of repatriating. The analysis was carried out using traditional content analysis in combination with the multistage coding method. An additional mini-survey also was conducted among the interviewed informants in order to determine the level of their social, economic and cultural capitals in the country of origin and reception. As a result of the analysis, we constructed 4 types of strategies for the repatriation of modern Russian youth: “ideological”, “career”, “socio-political”, “personal”. The “ideological” type is characterized by a stricter form of strategies, with the goal of becoming a full-fledged Israeli. "Careerists" move because of work, mainly pursuing economic goals. "Socio-political" strategies are used because of dissatisfaction with the country of origin and less often have clear goals for moving. “Personal” strategies are primarily associated with the individual circumstances of repatriates and can change their trajectory in the course of the move, in other words, such repatriates are looking for their "way of life”.  An alternative view is offered to consider the characteristics of a migrant in terms of the volume of his capital in the country of origin and acceptance. During the analysis, different types of repatriates were identified based on differences in their social spaces. Also studied were the driving forces that prompted young returnees to relocate, among which a non-standard category of individual motivators was identified, which can be a full-fledged and sole reason for relocation. The repatriation process, its stages and difficulties that may arise at each of them are described. It is summed up that we are witnessing the sixth wave of migration to Israel, whose character is qualitatively different from all previous ones. Indicates the need to develop the study of this phenomenon through quantitative research.