On generation citizenship: The new Russian protest among young immigrant adults in Israel

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article describes an emerging social protest movement among Generation 1.5 of Russian speakers who immigrated as older children or adolescents and came of age in Israel. It examines the generation, gender, and class aspects of the new social and cultural activism among Russian Israelis, while drawing on the concept of generation citizenship. Contrary to the civic conformism of their parent’s generation, the new Generation 1.5 leaders have developed a generational consciousness and perceive themselves as an active force for change. Acting primarily in the civic and cultural fields, the leaders of this large immigrant cohort are challenging the public discourse on Russian Israelis through successful social media campaigns such as video clips, blogs and articles, cultural festivals, public events, and media engagement.