The Journey of Kavkaz Jews to Israel: Cultural Integration and Challenges

When the Jewish community from the Soviet Union began its historic journey to Israel in the 1990s, it was a diverse and multifaceted movement. One particular sub-group, the Kavkaz Jews, a term encompassing Mountain Jews from Azerbaijan, Dagestan, Chechnya, and Kabardino-Balkaria, faced unique challenges and experiences. This article delves into the life of Kavkaz Jews, focusing on their arrival in Israel and their subsequent integration into Israeli society.

Geographical and Cultural Diversity

The Kavkaz Jews, also known as Mountain Jews, emigrated from regions that were geographically proximate but culturally and linguistically distinct from other Jewish communities in the Soviet Union. This vast and diverse community includes:

Ashkenazi Jews from large cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vilnius, Minsk, and Kyiv. Georgian Jews, who were further divided into urban Ashkenazi Jews and rural Easterners. Bukharan Jews from Uzbekistan, particularly from the city of Bukhara. Kazakh Jews with historical ties to Jewish communities in Kazakhstan, believed to be related to Jews who migrated after the Babylonian exile. Mountain Jews from the Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, Dagestan, Chechnya, and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Despite their geographical proximity, the Kavkaz Jews and Georgian Jews had distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical differences. Their significant use of Russian, a common language among Soviet citizens, played a crucial role in their integration process.

Integration Challenges

Like many Soviet Jews, the Kavkaz Jews encountered significant language barriers upon arriving in Israel. Hebrew was a barrier, and even educated individuals found their previous educational backgrounds irrelevant, forcing them to take on low-paying, less suitable jobs.

For example, Mountain Jews from cities like Baku, Quba, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nalchik, Tbilisi, and others, who spoke Russian, Juhuri, Georgian, or Uzbek, could leverage their linguistic skills to find jobs that suited their abilities. Knowledge of Russian became a valuable asset in their integration.

Initial prejudices and cultural stereotypes also affected the Kavkaz Jews. Some saw them as "tribal savages" or "honor-based clans." A memorable racist comment by one Jew called Kavkaz Jews "Judeo-Bedouins of Russia," highlighting the customs of family honor and traditional religious lifestyles, which was common among Mountain Jewish communities.

Community Integration and Military Service

While the Jewish community in Israel faced challenges, the Kavkaz Jews generally integrated well into Israeli society. Unlike Mizrahi Jews from Arab-Muslim countries, the Mountain Jews were well treated by their Caucasian Muslim neighbors, and they immigrated from Muslim lands rather than being exiled from them.

One peculiar aspect of their integration was the military service. Kavkaz Jews, particularly males, were often exempt from kitchen duty due to the importance of family honor. While some might have found this advantageous, many Kavkaz Jews, like other Israelis, would volunteer to wash dishes and avoid unnecessary burdens.

Historical Context and Modern-Day Challenges

Historically, Mountain Jews maintained strong connections with their Soviet-era neighbors. During Stalin's deportation of the Chechens, Chechen Muslims left their property and belongings to their Mountain Jewish neighbors, a gesture of trust and goodwill. However, the Chechen War in the 1990s brought new challenges. Chechen extremists believed that the "world Jewry" would pay them for Jews in their hands, leading to the kidnapping and disappearance of many Mountain Jews.

As global affairs deteriorate, the safety of the Kavkaz Jews in the Caucasus region becomes increasingly uncertain. Events like the mob attack at the airport in Dagestan and the storming of a hotel to search for Jews illustrate the ongoing dangers faced by these communities.

Conclusion

Though the Kavkaz Jews faced unique challenges during their transition to Israel, they have made significant progress in integrating into Israeli society. Their journey is marked by cultural diversity, historical context, and the resilience of a community that has faced numerous challenges throughout history.