Diasporic Liminality from France to Montréal: Re-Negotiating Jewish Identity in Intercultural and Multicultural Contexts

• In Event: Transnational Jewish Identities, Intersections, and Contexts

Abstract

This presentation explores Canadian multiculturalism, Québec interculturalism, and transnational contexts in order to understand the impact of immigration and resettlement policies in Canada. French Jews resettling in Québec may be an example of a group that create “spaces” in intercultural and multicultural contexts. This presentation is based on research that explores how Diasporic liminality as well as multicentred Jewish and Francophone identities influences the resettlement process. The focus for many of those interviewed was being in a Diasporic liminal state and feeling like cosmopolitans who belong elsewhere; not necessarily back in France where they want to return, but possibly moving on to other destinations beyond Québec. The Canadian and Québec resettlement policy implications are also considered based on the gaps, inconsistencies, and what is necessary to facilitate the successful resettlement of French Jews on a local, provincial, and federal level. Overall, the presentation will be a careful and nuanced comparison, looking at both Canadian multiculturalism and Québec interculturalism in light of the current debate around Québec’s “Charter of Values”.

The presentation is based on research that was completed using a case study approach with 40 French Jews who were interviewed between 2007 and 2010. The findings revealed that their primary reason for leaving France and resettling in Montréal was the continuous threat associated with the new anti-Semitism. The focus for many of those interviewed was anti-Jewish sentiment in France and the result of being in a Diasporic liminal state of feeling as though they belong elsewhere; possibly in France where they want to return, or moving on to other destinations. Multiple centred Jewish and Francophone identities were themes that emerged throughout the interviews. Other considerations that influenced French Jewish resettlement were Canadian multiculturalism and Québec interculturalism.

author

• Robert Kenedy, York University