Complexity of identity and tactics of resistance among religious leaders of immigrants

Abstract

This article discusses a unique groups of young ‘1.5 generation’ Jewish immigrant religious priests (kessoch) who were born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel, who cope with marginality and absence of legitimization by the religious establishment and by society. The article demonstrates that a complex cultural identity and behaviour pattern of syncretism is created among the religious priests, through selectively choosing aspects of identity which are meaningful for them. Their educated use of ‘fragments of identity’ and different tactics of resistance expresses a way for leaders of a minority group to cope with the reality they experience, and to find their place in the absorbing society.

Keywords:

• immigrants
• syncretism
• 1.5 generation
• resistance
• Ethiopia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Research Committee of the Ashkelon Academic College, Israel and the Netanya Academic College.