Soviet Jewish Emigres in Toronto: Ethnic Self-Identity and Issues of Integration

Some of the difficulties recent Soviet Jewish immigrants to Canada have encountered in relating to Toronto's established Jewish community are traced. Data include: a 1978 study that focused on the adaptation of Jewish children from the USSR to the Toronto educational system (Markus, Robert L., Adaptation: A Case Study of Soviet Jewish Immigrant Children in Toronto, 1970-1978), Toronto: Permanent Press, 1979); & questionnaires & interviews of students (N = 107) & parents (N = 53). Tensions between the new immigrants & the established community are found to result from different concepts of expressing ethnic identity. The emigres' self-images, reasons for immigrating, & expectations of Canada are explored to determine how they can be better integrated into the community. Attitudes & behaviors that might form the basis of a viable & long-lasting relationship between the 2 groups are also identified. 3 Tables. Modified HA