Competition, discrimination and conflict: Perspectives on Russian immigrants in the Negev

An important dimension of immigration patterns is the reception of newcomers by the host society. Even in a country such as Israel, which has maintained a strong commitment to the absorption of Jewish immigrants throughout its history, the entry of newcomers has tended to increase competition and conflict over available resources such as employment, housing, health, education and social services. Jews from Arabic-speaking countries and the Near and Far East (Sephardim) have been described as targets for prejudice and discrimination by Jews of European origin (Ashkenazim). It has been argued that the earlier immigration of Jews of European origin and their subsequent control of resources enabled them to extend preferential treatment to members of their own group. Discrimination toward later immigrants has been linked to their lower incomes, work and educational opportunities, and to changes in the allocation of entitlements due to newcomers.