Adaptation of Jewish migrants from the former Soviet Union in Melbourne, 1975-1999

This study examines the socioeconomic and cultural adaptation of Jewish migrants from the former Soviet Union who settled in Melbourne between 1975 and 1999. They mainly migrated to Australia under specially devised humanitarian visas. Soviet Jews had been subject to discrimination resulting in their distinct secular ethnic identity. Their socioeconomic adaptation is analysed by comparing them to other migrant groups and to the Australian-born population. Their cultural adaptation is examined by comparing their religiosity, Jewish ethnic belonging, and participation in Jewish communal life to Australian-born Jews and to Jewish migrants from Israel and South Africa.