Julia Mirsky

This book combines the presentation of a wide range of immigrants' narratives with a psychoanalytically oriented analysis of their meanings. This book is based on original research material collected via in-depth interviews with Israelis who have experienced migration. Demonstrating the variety and richness of individual expressions in migration, it holds narratives of immigration in adolescence and in adulthood and immigration stories of mothers and spouses. Various countries of origin -- from Tunisia to Siberia -- are represented as well as different periods of immigration, from 1949 through 2000. The author's personal immigration story is also presented in the book.

Natural and human-made disasters appear to be increasing in frequency and scope, commanding extensive media attention. Growing sensitivity to issues of preparedness and community response has created a greater interest among academics and practitioners. The Asian Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, mudslides in Brazil, earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, Japan, Turkey, China, and other countries have garnered worldwide notice. Human-made disasters, such as terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center or in Oklahoma City, Spain, England, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Afghanistan, and various other countries, or attacks on schoolchildren in places such as Columbine and various communities in China, send shockwaves throughout societies. This book addresses the development of long-term interventions following disasters, emphasizing disadvantaged communities. Attention is given to the role of change agents, such as local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and psychosocial professionals, to ensure that the window of opportunity is realized, generating immediate help and sustained community development.