1. Israel and its Diaspora: How to Attract Diaspora Resources for National Development Danas Conference on “Expatriate Nationals and Economic Development of Serbia” Belgrade, April 20 th, 2011

2. Diaspora Return Migration in Comparative Perspective 1. Why diasporas return home? 2. Different Models: “Asian Model” v. “European Model” 3. What can be done in terms of policy to promote return

3. 1. Israel’s Diaspora 2. Successes in Mobilizing Diaspora Resources Diaspora Return Migration Diaspora Philanthropy Israel as a Case- Study

4. Context of Immigrant Integration In Israel 1.Ideological Context: Law of Return, Returning residents, non-Jewish migrants (e.g. refugees, labor migrants, etc.) 2.Institutional Framework Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Jewish Agency (outreach diaspora communities) Municipalities NGOs, Immigrant Associations

5. Policies Promoting Immigration/Integration 1. Housing 2. Employment 3. Learning the Language 4. Education 5. Information Services

6. Relevance for Other Countries 1. Integration Successes v. Challenges 2. Before development of policy must know characteristics/needs potential returnees 3. Equality between immigrants and locals 4. Target general population or specific professions? 5. Permanent v. Temporary/Circular Return Movements

7. Israel’s Diaspora “Policy”: a Framework for Diaspora Mobilization Institutional Framework 1. Governmental Agencies 2. Civil Society 3. Business Sector “Managing” the Diaspora-Homeland Relationship 1. Joint Governance, twinning 2. Organized visits: donor missions, professional exchanges, educational community tours, Birthright, visits of Israelis to diaspora communities

8. Conclusions 1.Differences 2.Need for an institutional framework 3.Formal institutions need to be augmented by civil society initiatives 4.Collaborative activities require joint governance 5.Need independent/transparent mechanisms for transfer of philanthropic funds 6.Engage the youth ("next generation")