The portrayal of the Oriental Jew in literary school anthologies: from the establishment of Israel until the present time

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to examine the narrative featuring oriental characters in the Sheaves school anthologies (1958–1966) in contrast to the Roots and Wings anthologies (2009). The findings show that in the Sheaves anthologies there are only three stories representing oriental characters. All three deal with the Zionist narrative of immigration to Israel. Two stories extol the ‘melting pot’ immigration policy forcing immigrants to experience re-socialization by shedding their previous identity. However, in the Roots and Wings anthologies, there are six literary works representing the Oriental characters. Yet, two of the narratives perpetuate the oriental typecast.