ABSTRACT
Journalistic reports sometimes depict Israeli emigrants as employed in menial occupations, such as cab drivers or furniture movers (Ben-Ami 1992; Sabar 1996). However, every study based on systematic analysis of census or survey data demonstrates that emigrants are far more educated and skilled than Israelis generally, and among the very most highly educated of all arrivals in countries of settlement. Moreover, this trend is long-standing and has been observed for several decades (Toren 1980). Analyzing 1980 US Census data, Zvi Eisenbach (1989: 261) found that among Israelis in the States, “education is much higher than among the relevant source population [Israelis] . . . [and] also much higher than among the white population there.” Yinon Cohen (1996: 78) agrees, stating “regardless of the data and methodology used, Israeli Jewish immigrants in the US were found to be more educated and to hold higher status occupations than both US and Israeli populations.” Drawing from US Immigration and Naturalization Service data, Herman and LaFontaine (1983: 63) found that “over 70 percent of employed Israeli immigrants work at white collar occupations . . .; of these, about half are professional, technical and kindred workers (doctors, engineers, etc.). Only five percent are employed as service workers.” UK Census data reveal that Israeli emigrants in Britain are also marked by high levels of education and occupational prestige. “The Israeli-born form a skilled professional work-force, 56 percent were in professional, management or technical occupations” (Schmool and Cohen 1998: 30).
