The adaptation processes of Kurdish Jews in Israel: A cultural, political, and religious examination

This thesis examines the adaptation processes of Kurdish Jews in Israel from cultural, political, and religious perspectives. The aim of the study is to analyze the integration of Kurdish Jews into Israeli society across various dimensions and assess the societal impact of this integration. The central claim of the thesis is that Kurdish Jews, while maintaining their unique cultural, political, and religious identities, face significant challenges and opportunities in Israeli society. The integration processes of this group are explored to determine how they have influenced Israel's multicultural structure and whether these processes have been successfully implemented. The study focuses on the adaptation processes of Kurdish Jews in Israel, limited to their historical backgrounds, cultural affiliations, and political participation. The research is conducted using the document analysis method, utilizing documents and written sources. However, the lack of physical observation and face-to-face interviews restricts the ability to delve deeper into individuals' personal experiences. The thesis includes an extensive literature review on theories of culture, acculturation, and adaptation. Specifically, Berry's acculturation model, which highlights the concepts of integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization, is used as the theoretical framework. Additionally, sociological issues such as multiculturalism in Israel and the Mizrahi Jews are examined. The results indicate that Kurdish Jews have achieved some success in integrating into Israeli society, but they have also encountered numerous challenges. Areas such as language, cultural heritage, political representation, and religious practices have led to varying outcomes in the adaptation process. Kurdish Jews have strived to balance the preservation of their identity with the need to adapt to Israel's dominant culture. This dynamic has contributed to the enrichment of Israel's multicultural fabric, though it has also occasionally resulted in social tensions. The thesis suggests that future efforts to improve the adaptation processes of Kurdish Jews should include more inclusive multicultural policies. Emphasizing the preservation of language and cultural heritage, enhancing political representation, and fostering greater acceptance of religious differences are recommended. Furthermore, comparative studies with other ethnic groups experiencing similar integration processes are encouraged.