Russian-speaking immigrants and their media: still together?

Abstract

The recent wave of immigration from the Former Soviet Union has created the largest ethno-linguistic community of over 1 million people in Israel. Rising communication needs of the newcomers led to the rapid development of Russian-language media that fulfil a dual function: preserving the immigrants' original identity and ties to the former homeland while also addressing new challenges of social and cultural integration. This article explores the main trends in Russian-language media consumption in Israel and illuminates their social and cultural roles in the immigrants' adaptation, with a special emphasis on youth and more recent arrivals.

Keywords:

• ethnic media
• Israel
• immigrants
• Russian Israelis

Notes

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