Disillusioned defenders? The integration challenges of American Jewish return migrants in the Israel Defense Forces

The following section outlines the case of Israel, arguably the most prominent example of ethnic return migration, as a case in 4 SHKLYAN which the state overwhelmingly promotes the movement and integration of its ethnic migrants, in addition to the native-born community, through public media, stating its support and acceptance of ethnic migrants. [...] To ensure the success of its nation-building project, the state is embedded throughout each phase of the migration process as it controls both the composition of the state, and the successful incorporation of incoming Jewish immigrants. [...] Military service is perceived as the funda- mental expression of an individual's commitment to the state and as a measure of civic virtue (Sasson-Levy, 2003), the goal of which is to strengthen Jewish identity and enhance links to the land, values, heritage, and people. [...] Particu- larly in the state of Israel, we would expect the integrating function of the military to be especially successful, as the ultimate form of nation building “comes in situations in which the citizenry have to band together against the other during times of conflict” (Wimmer, 2018: 160). [...] It seemed to me selfish to stay in America.” Individuals reflected on their belief that Israel as a nation was still in a nascent stage and they were obligated as Jews in the diaspora to move to the country, actively contribute, and be part of the nation-building process.