Israel and its Diaspora: How to Attract Diaspora Resources for National

Development

Danas Conference on “Expatriate Nationals and Economic Development of

Serbia”

Belgrade, April 20th, 2011

Diaspora Return Migration in Comparative Perspective

1.Why diasporas return home?2. Different Models:

“Asian Model” v. “European Model”

3.What can be done in terms of policy to promote return

1. Israel’s Diaspora2. Successes in Mobilizing Diaspora

ResourcesDiaspora Return MigrationDiaspora Philanthropy

Israel as a Case- Study

Context of Immigrant Integration In IsraelContext of Immigrant Integration In Israel

1. Ideological Context: Law of Return, Returning residents, non-

Jewish migrants (e.g. refugees, labor migrants, etc.)

2. Institutional Framework

Ministry of Immigrant Absorption

Jewish Agency (outreach diaspora communities)

Municipalities

NGOs, Immigrant Associations

Policies Promoting Immigration/Integration

1. Housing

2. Employment

3. Learning the Language

4. Education

5. Information Services

Relevance for Other Countries

1. Integration Successes v. Challenges2. Before development of policy must

know characteristics/needs potential returnees

3. Equality between immigrants and locals

4. Target general population or specific professions?

5. Permanent v. Temporary/Circular Return Movements

Israel’s Diaspora “Policy”: a Framework for Diaspora Mobilization

Institutional Framework1. Governmental Agencies2. Civil Society3. Business Sector

“Managing” the Diaspora-Homeland Relationship1. Joint Governance, twinning2. Organized visits: donor missions, professional

exchanges, educational community tours, Birthright, visits of Israelis to diaspora communities

Conclusions

1. Differences2. Need for an institutional framework3. Formal institutions need to be

augmented by civil society initiatives4. Collaborative activities require joint

governance5. Need independent/transparent

mechanisms for transfer of philanthropic funds

6. Engage the youth ("next generation")