ABSTRACT
The tentativeness of the term "gropings" suggests the very early stage of settlement. The temporary nature of the immigrants' settlement status makes it premature to study the entire acculturation process; some irregular and incomplete association with the society did exist, however, and immigrants were undoubtedly feeling their way into it. This chapter analyzes some of the first feelers extended by the new arrivals. Entry into Israeli society involves acculturation on the part of the immigrant. Despite their physical isolation in the transit camps, immigrants were subject to various forms of indirect contact with the new society through mass media, formal education programs and settlement authorities, Jewish Agency officials who had positions of authority in the camps, and, in some cases, relatives and friends. Acculturation was observed in terms of three variables: acceptance of certain norms which immigrants probably perceived as representative of Israel, seeking immigrants or old-timers as sources of advice and information, and general attitude toward the host population.
