Scholars and leaders met at Bar-Ilan University to develop strategic approaches for the successful integration of repatriates
On November 5, Bar-Ilan University hosted a Round Table titled “Strategy for Realizing and Developing the Potential of Russian-speaking Repatriation of the Last Decade,” organized by Bar-Ilan University, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), and the Institute for Strategic Leadership NGO.
At the opening of the round table, The Executive Director of the BIU International School, Dr. Yulia Ben Rephael Zemlinskaya emphasized the importance of the topic for the university, noting that assistance and support for repatriates have been one of Bar-Ilan’s three core missions since its founding. She expressed the university’s readiness and interest in implementing joint educational programs with the Congress and the Institute for Strategic Development, in particular a master’s program in public policy for leaders of Jewish organizations.
EAJC Executive Director Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov outlined strategic approaches to enhancing the effective use of the potential of repatriate scholars for Israel. He reminded participants of the outstanding contributions of immigrant scientists and their invaluable role in Israel’s development.
The conceptual framework of the discussion was proposed by Professor Zeev Khanin, one of Israel’s leading experts in the sociology and political science of post-Soviet Jewry in Israel and the diaspora, a professor at Bar-Ilan University, and the Academic Director of the EAJC Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies. Prof. Khanin, formerly Chief Scientist of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, systematically guided participants toward areas of strategic planning in which they hold recognized expertise.
The main speaker of the round table was Dr. Mikhail Men, Academic Curator of the Department for the Study of New Russian-speaking Jewish Repatriation and Migration at the EAJC Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies. Dr. Men presented preliminary data from a recent EAJC study on Russian-speaking repatriation, including comparative analyses of different waves of Aliyah. These data formed the basis for discussion among participants, who represented various examples of successful integration into the Jewish state.
The study’s findings made a strong impression, showing the active involvement of new repatriates in Israeli society, their adoption of Jewish national and cultural values, their emphasis on social cohesion, and their readiness to contribute to improving public institutions and services for repatriates.
The initiator of the round table was Professor Evgeny Smirnov, Head of the Department for the Study of New Russian-speaking Jewish Repatriation and Director of the Institute for Strategic Leadership. Prof. Smirnov described three main areas of cooperation between the Institute, the Congress, and the University: identifying and promoting leadership projects and programs; developing strategies for the growth of organizations, businesses, and municipalities (including successful immigrant integration); and supporting initiatives related to civil–state dialogue, public diplomacy, and the promotion of Israel’s interests.
A presentation by Leonid Goldenberg, a well-known blogger and independent social and political researcher, drew particular interest. He highlighted the contribution of the latest wave of post-Soviet immigration to improving ecosystems, advancing achievements in science, medicine, high-tech, business, and politics, and strengthening the sense of unity that allows Russian-speaking repatriates to feel part of Israel’s broader public agenda.
Alex Zernopolsky, head of the Committees on Repatriation and Immigration of the Israeli Bar Association, discussed legal aspects of working with repatriate scholars and stressed the special role of intellectual repatriation in ensuring Israel’s leadership in the socio-economic sphere.
Natalia Tsesarskaya, Head of the Department of Aliyah and Integration of the Be’er Sheva Municipality and Chair of the National Association of Municipal Aliyah and Integration Directors, shared unique administrative solutions in this area and outlined plans for cooperation with the EAJC and the Institute for Strategic Leadership in the strategic development of Be’er Sheva.
Dr. Irina Smirnova, Director of Educational Programs at Beit-Nelly College, drew attention to the unique opportunities for professional retraining for repatriates in Israel and the specifics of developing educational programs for them.
Anna Ukolova, former IDF Spokesperson in Russian, greeted the participants and expressed interest in future collaboration.
Words of greeting and support for the discussed projects were also expressed by Bar-Ilan University Vice President for International Relations Rivka Tuval-Mashiach. Dr. Ben Rephael Zemlinskaya emphasized the university’s openness and commitment to implementing innovative educational programs and projects that contribute to the strategic development of the potential of Russian-speaking repatriation.
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