Bar-Ilan University hosted a conference dedicated to Russian-speaking repatriation

Bar-Ilan University hosted a round table discussion entitled "Strategy for Realizing and Developing the Potential of the Last Decade of Russian-Speaking Aliyah." The event, held on November 5, was co-organized by Bar-Ilan University, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, and the Institute for Strategic Leadership NGO.

The round table was initiated by Professor Evgeny Smirnov, Head of the Department for the Study of Modern Jewish Russian-speaking Aliyah and Director of the Institute for Strategic Leadership. Professor Smirnov outlined three key areas of cooperation between the institute, the congress, and the university. These include identifying and promoting leadership projects and programs, developing growth strategies for organizations, business structures, and municipalities—with a particular focus on the successful integration of immigrants—and supporting initiatives related to public-state dialogue, public diplomacy, and the promotion of Israel's interests.

During the opening remarks, Roni Vinnikov, Vice President of Bar-Ilan University, emphasized the significance of the discussion topic, noting that assisting and supporting immigrants has been one of the university's three core missions since its founding. Vinnikov also expressed the university's readiness and interest in launching joint educational programs with the EAJC and the Institute for Strategic Leadership, specifically pointing to a master's degree program in public policy designed for leaders of Jewish organizations.

Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, Director General of the EAJC, outlined strategic approaches to maximizing the potential of immigrant scientists for the benefit of Israel. He reminded the participants of historical contributions made by immigrant scientists and their invaluable impact on the development of the State of Israel.

The conceptual framework for the discussion was presented by Professor Ze'ev Khanin, Professor of Sociology at Bar-Ilan University and Academic Director of the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS).

The keynote speaker was Dr. Mikhail Men, Academic Curator of the Department for the Study of Modern Russian-speaking Jewish Aliyah and Migration at the IEAJS. He presented preliminary findings from the latest study on Russian-speaking aliyah, conducted at the initiative of the EAJC.

A key point of discussion among the participants was the study's finding regarding the active integration of new immigrants into the Israeli context, their adoption of Jewish national and cultural values, the importance they place on social cohesion, and their willingness to contribute to improving the operations of various government agencies, including enhancing the efficiency of immigrant services.

Alex Zernopolsky, Chairman of the Aliyah and Immigration Committees of the Israel Bar Association, addressed the legal aspects of working with immigrant scientists. He emphasized the critical role of intellectual aliyah in securing Israel's leading position in the socio-economic sphere.

Additionally, Natalya Tsesarskaya, Head of the Aliyah and Integration Department of the Beer-Sheva Municipality and Chairperson of the National Association of Directors of Municipal Aliyah and Integration Departments, discussed unique managerial solutions in this field and outlined plans for future cooperation with the EAJC.