Gadi BenEzer - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Gadi BenEzer
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 1995
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
Taylor & Francis eBooks, Feb 16, 2010
Israel studies review, 2013
ABSTRACT This article discusses the reactions of Israelis in the public space to 'mixed f... more ABSTRACT This article discusses the reactions of Israelis in the public space to 'mixed families' that include members of Ethiopian origin, written from the perspective of members of such families. The findings reveal that Israelis still react to the dark skin color of Ethiopians in mixed families and that, in most cases, 'black colors white', that is, behavior toward the mixed family is determined mainly by the presence of its black member. The three typical responses are as follows: (1) expressions of surprise at the presence of an Ethiopian in the family, evincing a stereotypical view of Ethiopian immigrants and their place in Israeli society; (2) invasions of privacy that are perceived by the family members as greatly exaggerated when compared with Israeli norms; and (3) declarations of appreciation for/admiration of the 'white' partner in the family for 'lifting up' the 'black' person through a (supposedly) altruistic act. The major conclusion is that Israeli society has yet to accept mixed families that include Jews of Ethiopian origin as a normative category.
International journal of adolescent medicine and health, 1999
This paper centers on problems that arise between the integration authorities and Ethiopian immig... more This paper centers on problems that arise between the integration authorities and Ethiopian immigrants due to misunderstanding of the latter's cultural codes. It was observed that Ethiopian immigrants, upon their arrival in Israel, perceive Israeli absorbers as figures of authority. Hence, an Ethiopian behavioural code is applied, which dictates specific behaviors as well as certain expectations from the absorbers. These are misinterpreted by the absorption authorities, who bring to the encounter their own values, expectations of the Ethiopian immigrants, and norms of Israeli society. Failures in communication are explained on the basis of a) the absorbers' lack of specific knowledge of Ethiopian cognitive maps and construction of reality, and b) the psychological processes the absorbers undergo while facing the Ethiopian immigrant. Specific measures are suggested to remedy these cross-cultural misunderstandings. * The present paper is partially based upon the analysis of points taken from the psycho-cultural profile of Ethiopian youth in Israel (BenEzer, 1983). This paper was first published in Israel Social Science Research and is reprinted here with permission.
Transcultural Psychiatry, Jun 1, 2006
Effective counseling across a cultural divide depends on adaptations or changes of technique to s... more Effective counseling across a cultural divide depends on adaptations or changes of technique to suit the particular intercultural circumstances. The concept of mutual creative space provides a guiding principle for therapists who wish to make such changes. This space is 'negotiated' between the therapist/counselor coming from the 'dominant/mainstream' group within society, and the group participants who arrive from another culture. Mutual creative space consists of the negotiation of power and a process of mutual invention, incorporating the creation, by therapist and participants, of something new that did not exist in either of their cultures of origin. A meaningful encounter and effective group counseling can take place following the negotiation of such a creative space. This is illustrated by the example of intercultural group work with Ethiopian Jewish immigrants in Israel, including an analysis of cultural characteristics of the Ethiopian group and specific ways of negotiating mutual creative space in this case. Issues discussed include: establishing trust in the cross cultural context; the use of body language and its interpretation; the psychologist as an authority figure; active participation vs. hidden learning; and working with dreams in such groups.
Transcultural Psychiatry, Feb 21, 2012
This paper suggests that elaborating Winnicott's idea of "potential space&qu... more This paper suggests that elaborating Winnicott's idea of "potential space" can provide a conceptual approach to psychotherapy across the cultural divide. The first part of the paper discusses the general problematic of intercultural psychotherapy. This is illustrated with an account of therapeutic work with Ethiopian Jews who have migrated to Israel. There is a significant gap between the Ethiopian cultural codes relevant to psychotherapy and those of the Israeli therapist, who is usually trained in the Western psychotherapeutic tradition. A meaningful and effective therapeutic process can take place if psychotherapist and client cocreate a "mutual creative space."
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural ... more 1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural Research 4. The Theme of Jewish Identity 5. The Theme of Suffering 6. The Theme of Bravery and Inner Strength 7. The Impact of the Journey: Psycho-Social Issues 8. Ethiopian Jews Encounter Israel
Journal of Refugee Studies, Aug 1, 2014
The refugee journey is the defining feature of the exilic process: it is a profoundly formative a... more The refugee journey is the defining feature of the exilic process: it is a profoundly formative and transformative experience and a 'lens' on the newcomers' social condition. Yet it remains a significantly under-researched theme in refugee and forced migration studies. This exploratory article maps what exists, what is missing, and what might be researched regarding these journeys. Commencing with a review of the fragmented nature of the research and its limited analytical scope, the article then reviews BenEzer's definitive work. The core of the article explores the potential value and contribution of the study of journeys in terms of: better understanding the profoundly formative experience of the journey; giving voice to the refugees' unique experiences; and better informing policy from a fuller understanding of the journey experience. The article presents four conceptual challenges in studying the refugee journey and the final section proceeds to discuss some of the methodological questions related to research of journeys.
Taylor & Francis eBooks, Feb 16, 2010
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural ... more 1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural Research 4. The Theme of Jewish Identity 5. The Theme of Suffering 6. The Theme of Bravery and Inner Strength 7. The Impact of the Journey: Psycho-Social Issues 8. Ethiopian Jews Encounter Israel
Routledge eBooks, Sep 29, 2017
... Ann Thirkel-Smith has helped as a librarian as well as a 'barometer&#x27... more ... Ann Thirkel-Smith has helped as a librarian as well as a 'barometer' of English. Sarah and Ann from the RSP Documentation Centre, University of Oxford, were helpful in finding sources at the final stage. ... Lejla and Tracy gave technical assistance at different phases of the work. ...
THE ETHIOPIAN JEWISH EXODUS
The Migration Journey, 2005
Oxford University Press eBooks, Jan 25, 1995
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
Taylor & Francis eBooks, Feb 16, 2010
Israel studies review, 2013
ABSTRACT This article discusses the reactions of Israelis in the public space to 'mixed f... more ABSTRACT This article discusses the reactions of Israelis in the public space to 'mixed families' that include members of Ethiopian origin, written from the perspective of members of such families. The findings reveal that Israelis still react to the dark skin color of Ethiopians in mixed families and that, in most cases, 'black colors white', that is, behavior toward the mixed family is determined mainly by the presence of its black member. The three typical responses are as follows: (1) expressions of surprise at the presence of an Ethiopian in the family, evincing a stereotypical view of Ethiopian immigrants and their place in Israeli society; (2) invasions of privacy that are perceived by the family members as greatly exaggerated when compared with Israeli norms; and (3) declarations of appreciation for/admiration of the 'white' partner in the family for 'lifting up' the 'black' person through a (supposedly) altruistic act. The major conclusion is that Israeli society has yet to accept mixed families that include Jews of Ethiopian origin as a normative category.
International journal of adolescent medicine and health, 1999
This paper centers on problems that arise between the integration authorities and Ethiopian immig... more This paper centers on problems that arise between the integration authorities and Ethiopian immigrants due to misunderstanding of the latter's cultural codes. It was observed that Ethiopian immigrants, upon their arrival in Israel, perceive Israeli absorbers as figures of authority. Hence, an Ethiopian behavioural code is applied, which dictates specific behaviors as well as certain expectations from the absorbers. These are misinterpreted by the absorption authorities, who bring to the encounter their own values, expectations of the Ethiopian immigrants, and norms of Israeli society. Failures in communication are explained on the basis of a) the absorbers' lack of specific knowledge of Ethiopian cognitive maps and construction of reality, and b) the psychological processes the absorbers undergo while facing the Ethiopian immigrant. Specific measures are suggested to remedy these cross-cultural misunderstandings. * The present paper is partially based upon the analysis of points taken from the psycho-cultural profile of Ethiopian youth in Israel (BenEzer, 1983). This paper was first published in Israel Social Science Research and is reprinted here with permission.
Transcultural Psychiatry, Jun 1, 2006
Effective counseling across a cultural divide depends on adaptations or changes of technique to s... more Effective counseling across a cultural divide depends on adaptations or changes of technique to suit the particular intercultural circumstances. The concept of mutual creative space provides a guiding principle for therapists who wish to make such changes. This space is 'negotiated' between the therapist/counselor coming from the 'dominant/mainstream' group within society, and the group participants who arrive from another culture. Mutual creative space consists of the negotiation of power and a process of mutual invention, incorporating the creation, by therapist and participants, of something new that did not exist in either of their cultures of origin. A meaningful encounter and effective group counseling can take place following the negotiation of such a creative space. This is illustrated by the example of intercultural group work with Ethiopian Jewish immigrants in Israel, including an analysis of cultural characteristics of the Ethiopian group and specific ways of negotiating mutual creative space in this case. Issues discussed include: establishing trust in the cross cultural context; the use of body language and its interpretation; the psychologist as an authority figure; active participation vs. hidden learning; and working with dreams in such groups.
Transcultural Psychiatry, Feb 21, 2012
This paper suggests that elaborating Winnicott's idea of "potential space&qu... more This paper suggests that elaborating Winnicott's idea of "potential space" can provide a conceptual approach to psychotherapy across the cultural divide. The first part of the paper discusses the general problematic of intercultural psychotherapy. This is illustrated with an account of therapeutic work with Ethiopian Jews who have migrated to Israel. There is a significant gap between the Ethiopian cultural codes relevant to psychotherapy and those of the Israeli therapist, who is usually trained in the Western psychotherapeutic tradition. A meaningful and effective therapeutic process can take place if psychotherapist and client cocreate a "mutual creative space."
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural ... more 1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural Research 4. The Theme of Jewish Identity 5. The Theme of Suffering 6. The Theme of Bravery and Inner Strength 7. The Impact of the Journey: Psycho-Social Issues 8. Ethiopian Jews Encounter Israel
Journal of Refugee Studies, Aug 1, 2014
The refugee journey is the defining feature of the exilic process: it is a profoundly formative a... more The refugee journey is the defining feature of the exilic process: it is a profoundly formative and transformative experience and a 'lens' on the newcomers' social condition. Yet it remains a significantly under-researched theme in refugee and forced migration studies. This exploratory article maps what exists, what is missing, and what might be researched regarding these journeys. Commencing with a review of the fragmented nature of the research and its limited analytical scope, the article then reviews BenEzer's definitive work. The core of the article explores the potential value and contribution of the study of journeys in terms of: better understanding the profoundly formative experience of the journey; giving voice to the refugees' unique experiences; and better informing policy from a fuller understanding of the journey experience. The article presents four conceptual challenges in studying the refugee journey and the final section proceeds to discuss some of the methodological questions related to research of journeys.
Taylor & Francis eBooks, Feb 16, 2010
Routledge eBooks, Jul 12, 2017
1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural ... more 1. Introduction 2. The Context of the Journey 3. Interviewing and Interpreting in Cross Cultural Research 4. The Theme of Jewish Identity 5. The Theme of Suffering 6. The Theme of Bravery and Inner Strength 7. The Impact of the Journey: Psycho-Social Issues 8. Ethiopian Jews Encounter Israel
Routledge eBooks, Sep 29, 2017
... Ann Thirkel-Smith has helped as a librarian as well as a 'barometer&#x27... more ... Ann Thirkel-Smith has helped as a librarian as well as a 'barometer' of English. Sarah and Ann from the RSP Documentation Centre, University of Oxford, were helpful in finding sources at the final stage. ... Lejla and Tracy gave technical assistance at different phases of the work. ...
THE ETHIOPIAN JEWISH EXODUS
The Migration Journey, 2005