Title: The Identity of Iranian Jewry in Israel and reasons Behind Low Responses to Immigration and not having a Sense of Belonging in Israel

Title: The Identity of Iranian Jewry in Israel and reasons Behind Low Responses to Immigration and not having a Sense of Belonging in Israel Introduction The rise of Jewish nationalism in the late 19th century was a response to centuries of persecution and discrimination. Jews had been exiled from their homeland, Israel, by the Roman Empire in AD 70 and were subsequently forced to live as minorities in countries around the world. In addition to facing economic and social barriers, Jews were often the target of violence and bigotry. The emergence of political Zionism—a movement to establish a Jewish state in Israel—was a direct response to this hostile environment. Zionist leaders such as Theodor Herzl argued that the only way to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Jewish people was to create their own sovereign state. While Herzl's dream of a Jewish state was not realized during his lifetime, his ideas laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Today, Jewish nationalism remains a powerful force in Israeli politics, and the country continues to be a refuge for Jews who face persecution elsewhere in the world. As a result of these factors, Iranian Jews in Israel often feel like they do not belong in either Iran or Israel. This can lead to a sense of rootlessness and isolation. It can also lead to low levels of immigration to Israel. The study will be conducted through interviews with Iranian Jews who have recently immigrated to Israel. The interviewees will be asked about their experiences moving to Israel, how they have been received by Israelis, and how they see themselves fitting into Israeli society.