Community In Israel Research Articles

The Druze in the army: a (very) limited entrance ticket to Israeli (Jewish) society

This article explores the complex and often contradictory experiences of the Druze community in Israel, specifically examining how military service has shaped their identity and integration into Israeli society. While military service is typically viewed as a means of achieving social equality and inclusion, the Druze continue to face discrimination despite fulfilling their national obligations. Using semi-structured interviews, this study investigates the implications of the Druze's compulsory conscription, focusing on concepts of reciprocity, convertibility, and identity politics. Findings reveal that while military service reinforces the Israeli identity among Druze youth, it fails to provide the expected access to equal rights and full citizenship, thus perpetuating their marginalized status within an ethno-republican state.

Luxury or Cultural Tourism Activities? The Role of Narcissistic Personality Traits and Travel-Related Motivations.

This study aimed to examine the role of travel-related motivations and preferences for activities (such as learning about local culture, relaxation and entertainment, status and social recognition, escape and curiosity, and experience) in the relationship between narcissistic personality traits and the preference for luxury tourism versus cultural tourism. A sample of 1342 Israeli community members was analyzed. The methodology utilized parallel mediation analyses to assess how different forms of narcissism (extraverted, antagonistic, neurotic, and communal) were associated with the desire for luxury tourism over cultural tourism, as mediated by various travel-related motivations. The results indicated that narcissistic personality traits were generally associated with a preference for luxury tourism, primarily through indirect associations via travel motivations such as relaxation and entertainment, status and social recognition, and experience. The conclusion highlights the implications for understanding how specific travel-related motivations influence tourism preferences among individuals with varying levels of narcissistic traits, suggesting that tourism management strategies could benefit from a nuanced approach to personality in marketing.

Rethinking economic socialization: the intersection of culture, gender and economic life in a religious enclave

Abstract This article explores how economic socialization serves as a bridge between individual economic behaviors and the broader social and cultural contexts that shape them. Drawing on a post-functionalist approach to socialization, the study examines the ultra-Orthodox Jewish (Haredi) community in Israel, where distinct gender roles, cultural norms and patterns of economic participation create a unique context for investigating divergent economic socialization pathways. Comparing four groups within the Haredi community—average/below-average and high-income women, men with work experience, and men who study at religious seminaries (Yeshiva/Kollel)—analysis of an original survey study reveals how differential exposure to economic life leads to significant variations in financial risk-taking, loss-aversion, financial literacy and competitiveness. The findings problematize explanations attributing economic gender gaps to innate differences, instead highlighting the profound impact of the cultural framing of gender roles vis-à-vis economic integration. By foregrounding economic socialization as a sociological phenomenon, the study contributes to discourses on culture’s role in economic behavior and opens new avenues for examining how individuals acquire economic dispositions through socialization pathways shaped by structural constraints and power relations.

Utilizing the glucose challenge test during pregnancy as a predictor of future diabetes risk

BackgroundGestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) presents a significant health concern during pregnancy, predisposing individuals to future diabetes. Despite established postpartum diabetes screening guidelines, adherence to follow-up remains inadequate.AimsThis study aimed to assess the predictive value of the 50-gram glucose challenge test (GCT) for post-pregnancy diabetes development.Materials and methodsA population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women aged 18–45 who underwent GCT screening between November 2007 and July 2017 in a large Israeli community medical organization. Baseline characteristics, GCT results, and diabetes development during follow-up were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.ResultsAmong 8,675 women included, 2.4% developed diabetes over a median follow-up of 73.23 months. Elevated GCT results correlated with a higher risk of future diabetes, with a 4% rise in risk per 1 mg/dL increase in glucose above 140 mg/dL. Multivariate analysis revealed a 60-fold rise in the risk of future diabetes in women with GCT results ≥ 200 mg/dL compared to those with GCT < 140 mg/dL, adjusting for age, body mass index, pre-pregnancy glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. A GCT result between 140 and 199 mg/dL was a predictor of future diabetes, even when adjusted for GDM based on a subsequent GTT if performed.ConclusionsGCT results during pregnancy strongly predict future diabetes development, with higher GCT values significantly increasing risk. Recognizing abnormal GCT results as indicative of a prediabetic state offers a practical approach for risk stratification, facilitating early diagnosis, and intervention in post-pregnancy care.

Language matters: what can social workers learn from the transgender community?

ABSTRACT Questions of language and its contribution to constructing and preserving the social order have gradually entered social work research. This paper seeks to add to this professional scholarship by examining the concrete impact of language usage on real persons in everyday interactions. It is based on an interview study with eleven members of the transgender community in Israel and anchored in the feminist social work perspective. Transgender individuals challenge seemingly natural social conventions and do not necessarily conform to expected coherency between biology and gender. Since most Hebrew grammatical forms make clear distinctions based on gender, these individuals often lack adequate means for conducting a dialogue consistent with their sense of self. The interviewees’ descriptions highlight the pivotal role Hebrew plays in realizing their identity, thus providing a better opportunity for enhancing our understanding of the strategic power of language than the discourse of members of predominant social groups. These findings have potential implications for social work teaching and practice, especially in relation to undoing injustice.

Determination of stigma among individuals who deviate from the norms and among community members: The price paid by all

AbstractThe Jewish Ultraorthodox community in Israel strongly opposes enlisting in the Israeli military. Young men who violate this norm must cope with negative social consequences such as stigma. In the current study we investigated risk and protective factors (self‐esteem, sense of community, positive and negative societal conditional regard, and “tightness of the community”) for public stigma against Ultraorthodox former soldiers, both among these young men and among community members. Among soldiers we also examined the determination of self‐stigma. The first study comprised 153 participants between the ages of 20 and 55 (M = 29.64, SD = 6.89); the second study comprised 433 participants between the ages of 21 and 75 (M = 36, SD = 10.82). Path analysis models indicated the protective role played by self‐esteem and societal conditional positive regard in participants' perception of public and self‐stigma, and the risk factor posed by societal conditional negative regard and “tightness of the community.” Sense of community was found to be a protective factor only for soldiers; for community members it was found to be a risk factor that increased public stigma. The findings reveal that stigma exacts a price not only from soldiers but also from the community, leading to losses for all involved.

Does the marital pay gap matter? Women’s family-work experiences by earning pattern and ethnic community

ABSTRACT This study explored variations in women’s experiences within the family-work system by different earning patterns: where men outearn women, both spouses earn equally, or women outearn men. This examination was conducted in three major ethnic communities in Israel: Jews in the general population, ultra-Orthodox Jews, and Arabs. The analysis focused on three dimensions of the family-work system: behavioral (perceived family and work time), cognitive (assessment of family-work conflict), and affective (marital satisfaction). In all three communities, women who outearned their spouses tended to dedicate more hours to paid work and less to family and household responsibilities. However, based on women’s perceptions, men allocated the same number of hours to family responsibilities, irrespective of their ethnicity or earning patterns. In the Arab community, women earning the same or more than their spouses experienced heightened work-family conflict compared to those with different earning patterns in their community. Finally, ultra-Orthodox women reported the highest levels of marital satisfaction, regardless of earning pattern. Based on these findings, organizations should be encouraged to implement family-friendly policies to support women, especially in traditional communities.

Analysis of user trends in digital health communities using big data mining.

Camoni, the largest digital health community in Israel, involves thousands of patients in the decision-making process concerning their illness and treatment. This approach reflects the recent global shift towards digital tools that combine professional information with social networking capabilities to enable problem-solving, emotional support, and knowledge sharing. Digital health communities serve as an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to learn more about their health, connect with others with shared experiences, and receive encouragement. Our research investigates user trends in digital health communities using the Camoni platform as a case study. To this end, we compile a comprehensive database of 12 years of site activity and conduct a large-scale analysis to identify and assess significant trends in user behavior. We observe several significant trends concerning different genders engagement and note a narrowing of gaps between men and women users' participation and publication volume. Furthermore, we find that younger users have become increasingly active on the platform over time. We also uncover unique gender-specific behavior patterns that we attempt to characterize and explain. Our findings suggest that the rise of digital health communities has accelerated in recent years, reflecting the public's growing preference to take a more active role in their medical care.

The Immigration and Strategic Assimilation of Bene Menashe: A Zomian Jewish Community in Israel

ABSTRACT Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted among a community of immigrants from the Eastern Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram, Bene Menashe, this article deals with how these immigrants have used ethnic identity to further integrate into mainstream Jewish and Israeli society. Originally known as the Kuki-Chin-Mizo, Bene Menashe claim to be descendants of the lost tribes of Israel, cut off from other Jews for 2,700 years. Several thousand members of the community have emigrated to Israel since the 1990s. Bene Menashe’s background as a singular community of East Asian immigrants in the peripheral town of KA and as recent converts to Judaism, as well as their Zomian (Upland Southeast Asian) background, are central to the community’s negotiation of ethnoreligious identity. Their efforts to integrate into contemporary Israeli society often contrast with the drive of Israeli cultural agents to emphasise the group’s lost tribal heritage, and the community has also both emphasised and sought to discard their previous ethnic identity. Bene Menashe in KA, this article shows, employ several strategies to further their ‘strategic assimilation’ into Israeli society.

Cultural perspectives on academic dishonesty: exploring racial and ethnic diversity in higher education

ABSTRACT This study explores academic dishonesty within higher education, with a particular focus on the perspectives of the Arab ethnic community in Israel. Through in-depth interviews involving 38 students, the research unveils three overarching themes: (a) “Academic dishonesty as a social norm” illuminates the prevalent acceptance of cheating driven by moral justifications, emphasizing the crucial role of perceived low likelihood of detection and inconsistencies in enforcing academic standards in a multicultural context, (b) “Rationalizations for academic dishonesty and coping with minority status,” explores how overwhelming academic demands, familial and social pressures, and collaborative support networks contribute to unethical behavior, and (c) “Erosion of academic effort,” elucidates the connection between uninspiring teaching methods and the derision of less committed peers, contributing to plagiarism. These findings contribute to a culturally understanding of academic dishonesty. Practically, recognizing specific groups’ challenges with academic dishonesty can inform instructors and administrators, aiding effective strategies to promote integrity.

‘. . . You are a Muslim, and our village disapproves of this’: The objections of indigenous minority communities in Israel to women’s employment in the police on grounds of gender, nationality and crime

‘. . . You are a Muslim, and our village disapproves of this’: The objections of indigenous minority communities in Israel to women’s employment in the police on grounds of gender, nationality and crime

Plant silicon content as a proxy for understanding plant community properties and ecosystem structure

AbstractSilicon (Si) content in plant tissues is considered a functional trait that can provide multiple morpho‐physiological benefits to plant individuals. However, it is still unclear whether and how these individual benefits extend to plant community processes and ecosystem functioning. Here we investigated how plant Si content is associated with plant community properties and the ecosystem structure of herbaceous communities in Israel. We sampled 15 sites across the Mediterranean and desert ecosystems and built models to evaluate how plant silicon content (community‐weighted mean and standard variation) is associated with variables such as species richness, biomass production, plant cover, and functional diversity. Finally, we used model selection techniques to test whether models depicting plant Si content perform better than models using data on soil Si instead. Sites with lower susceptibility to drought had significantly more Si‐accumulating grass species and higher soils Si content. Models with plant Si content instead of soil Si, always performed better, although those considering Si content variation had overall stronger associations with community properties than only mean Si content. For instance, up to 51% of plant Si content variation was explained by climate, biomass production, and species richness, combined. Still, mean plant Si content and plant cover combined explained up to 42% of plant functional diversity. Our results suggest the that plant Si content serves as a proxy for understanding the ecological properties and functioning of arid and Mediterranean ecosystems. Nevertheless, the significance of Si has not been fully explored in other ecosystem types, where its influence may be less pronounced compared with the ecosystems examined in this study. In light of various global change scenarios, enhancing our understanding of Si as a plant functional trait could help bridge existing knowledge gaps and improve ecological modeling, thus enabling more accurate forecasts of changes in plant distributions.

Epidemiological Characterization and Genetic Variation of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Palestine.

The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in Palestine highlights the need for continuous genetic surveillance and accurate screening strategies. This case series study aimed to investigate the geographic distribution and genetic variation of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Palestine in August 2021. Samples were collected at random in August 2021 (n = 571) from eight districts in the West Bank, Palestine. All samples were confirmed as positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR. The samples passed the quality control test and were successfully sequenced using the ARTIC protocol. The Delta Variant was revealed to have four dominant lineages: B.1.617 (19%), AY.122 (18%), AY.106 (17%), and AY.121 (13%). The study revealed eight significant purely spatial clusters (p < 0.005) distributed in the northern and southern parts of Palestine. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes (n = 552) showed no geographically specific clades. The haplotype network revealed three haplogroups without any geographic distribution. Chronologically, the Delta Variant peak in Palestine was shortly preceded by the one in the neighboring Israeli community and shortly followed by the peak in Jordan. In addition, the study revealed an extremely intense transmission network of the Delta Variant circulating between the Palestinian districts as hubs (SHR ≈ 0.5), with Al-Khalil, the district with the highest prevalence of COVID-19, witnessing the highest frequency of transitions. Genetic diversity analysis indicated closely related haplogroups, as haplotype diversity (Hd) is high but has low nucleotide diversity (π). However, nucleotide diversity (π) in Palestine is still higher than the global figures. Neutrality tests were significantly (p < 0.05) low, including Tajima's D, Fu-Li's F, and Fu-Li's D, suggesting one or more of the following: population expansion, selective sweep, and natural negative selection. Wright's F-statistic (Fst) showed genetic differentiation (Fst > 0.25) with low to medium gene flow (Nm). Recombination events were minimal between clusters (Rm) and between adjacent sites (Rs). The study confirms the utility of the whole genome sequence as a surveillance system to track the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants for any possible geographical association and the use of genetic variation analysis and haplotype networking to delineate any minimal change or slight deviation in the viral genome from a reference strain.

Predicting Recovery Pathways in Jewish Ultra-Orthodox Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

Cultural and religious norms, as well as trauma-related cognitions and recovery actions, are known to impact the well-being of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Although acknowledged as a key component, there is scant research on the recovery trajectories of women who have experienced IPV, in particular on survivors from collectivistic societies such as the Jewish Ultra-Orthodox (JUO) community in Israel. A mediation model examined the recovery process of 261 Israeli JUO survivors. In particular, it tested whether the normalization of violence and women's endorsement of Jewish religious norms that justify violence would be directly and negatively associated with women's well-being and positively associated with psychopathology. Additionally, it examined whether women's normalization of violence and support of religious norms would positively predict women's negative trauma-related cognitions. In turn, these cognitions were expected to negatively predict women's engagement in recovery actions, help-seeking behaviors, and faith-based responses but positively predict disengagement responses. The model further posited that women's engagement in steps toward recovery, help-seeking behaviors, and faith-based responses would positively predict women's well-being and negatively predict psychopathology. In contrast, women's disengagement responses would negatively predict women's well-being and positively predict their psychopathology. Bootstrap results indicated that supporting religious norms positively predicted women's trauma-related cognitions, which then negatively predicted women's recovery actions, help-seeking behaviors, and faith-based responses but positively predicted women's disengagement responses. Women's recovery actions and faith-based responses positively predicted women's well-being, while disengagement responses positively predicted women's psychopathology. Contrary to expectations, help-seeking behaviors positively predicted psychopathology.

Three Early Linguistic Layers in Haredi Hebrew

Abstract A close examination of contemporary Hebrew as spoken by Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, communities in Israel reveals linguistic layers from several historical and cultural contexts. This article looks at elements from three of these layers: Jewish religious literature, the Yiddish language and outdated Israeli Hebrew. An analysis of these elements sheds light on how Haredi Hebrew differs from ‘general’ Israeli Hebrew and how these differences reflect linguistic perceptions and socio-cultural values that distinguish Haredim from the broader Israeli population. In addition to demonstrating the intricate interplay between language and society, analysis offers insight into the dynamic nature of Hebrew language evolution.

Women Who Perform Social Egg Freezing as Moral Pioneers: The Case of Ultra-Orthodox Communities in Israel

Social egg freezing (SEF) is a new reproductive technology that is increasingly used within ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, stirring tensions between tradition and modernity. Based on in-depth semi-structured interviews, this study examined how ultra-Orthodox singles who employ SEF engage in social negotiations over gender- and body-related norms. Findings show that participants successfully assimilated SEF by establishing facts on the ground and discreetly spreading information while actively avoiding tensions that may threaten religious tradition. SEF did not push participants into modern individualism or dissolve their strong connection to the community. However they did modify social boundaries and articulated social criticism.

The power of faith in Israeli Druze parents of children with disabilities across the lifespan

ABSTRACT This study addresses the underexplored topic of parenthood for children with disabilities within the Druze community in Israel. While existing research predominantly focuses on Western cultures, this qualitative investigation involves 21 Israeli Druze parents across different age groups. Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews revealed three key themes: Challenges and strengths, Parents’ faith-based narratives, and The empowering role of religious faith. Notably, age-related distinctions emerged in experiences of loneliness and social support. The implications for social work practice and policy, and future research are discussed, emphasizing the significance of considering cultural and faith-based dynamics in supporting parents of children with disabilities.

Facilitators of and Barriers to Inclusive Education in the Arab Community of Israel: The Parents’ Perspective

A positive and collaborative partnership between parents and schools is required to improve the education of children with special educational needs. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the educational context in the Arab community in Israel based on the perceptions and beliefs of parents of children with special educational needs about their children’s education in relation to schools. Twenty parents of children with different special educational needs were interviewed to understand their thoughts and beliefs about special education in the Arab community in Israel. Six core categories emerged from the analysis of the interviews [i.e., (a) parenting, (b) learning at home, (c) communicating, (d) volunteering, (e) inclusion of parents in decision-making related to their children, and (f) teachers’ attitudes towards children from the perspective of parents], which were perceived as axes with high potential to improve special education in this community and guarantee an optimal education for children with special needs. The role of the school as a tool to assist parents is highlighted, with the aim of empowering them and encouraging their active participation in school processes with a clear educational policy that clarifies the demands of the school system for parents and vice versa. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the importance of teachers in a child’s life, emphasizing the potential benefits of cooperation and collaboration between teachers, students, and parents.

Don’t look like lesbian when you walk through the village, lesbians, gays, and transgenders in rural communities

This study explores the coping practices of lesbians, gays, and trans (LG&T) people, living in rural communities, as they experience hardships originating from their surroundings in small rural communities in Israel. The research findings based on in-depth interviews with 24 gay, lesbian, and trans subjects, suggest that those who live in rural communities feel that their lifestyle is subjected to prejudice and scrutiny and monitoring. This anachronistic homophobic attitude is still prevalent in smaller communities in Israel. Subjects report that this causes distress and discomfort thus affecting their well-being and sense of belonging to the community, that is their home. The study reveals two approaches utilized to deal with the social control applied to them: the practice of resistance that contributes to the sense of relaxation and resilience of LGBTQ+ people in their surroundings, and the practice of avoidance that allows them to live their lives undisturbed. The findings show the importance of creating unique social services suitable for this minority living in rural communities.

Optimizing clinical outcomes in polypharmacy through poly-de-prescribing: a longitudinal study.

To evaluate polypharmacy in older people to determine whether the number of medications de-prescribed correlates with the extent of improvement in quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes. A prospective longitudinal cohort study of polypharmacy in people living in a community in Israel. Participants aged 65 years or older who took at least six prescription drugs followed up for at least 3 years (range 3-10 years) after poly-de-prescription (PDP) recommendations. PDP recommended at first home visit using the Garfinkel algorithm. Annual follow-up and end-of-study questionnaires used to assess clinical outcomes, QoL, and satisfaction from de-prescribing. All medications taken, complications, hospitalizations, and mortality recorded. In total, 307 participants met the inclusion criteria; 25 incomplete end-of-study questionnaires meant 282 participants for subjective analysis. Participants divided into two subgroups: (i) those who discontinued more than 50% of the drugs (PDP group) or (ii) those who discontinued less than 50% of the drugs (non-responders, NR). Objective: 3-year survival rate and hospitalizations. Subjective: general satisfaction from de-prescribing; change in functional, mental, and cognitive status; improved sleep quality, appetite, and continence; and decreased pain. Mean age: 83 years (range 65-99 years). Mean number of drugs at baseline visit: 9.8 (range 6-20); 6.7 ± 2.0 de-prescribed in the PDP group (n = 146) and 2.2 ± 2.1 in the NR group (n = 161) (p < 0.001).No statistical difference between the groups in the 3-year survival rate and hospitalizations, but a significant improvement in functional and cognitive status and, in general, satisfaction from the intervention in the PDP group compared to the NR group. Improvement usually evident within the first 3 months and persists for several years. Poly-de-prescribing in the older population has beneficial effects on several clinical outcomes with no detrimental effect on the rate of hospitalization and survival. The extent of improvement correlates with the extent of de-prescribing. Applying the Garfinkel algorithm globally may improve QoL in millions of patients, a clinical and economic win-win situation.