Resources and Articles by Suzanna Kokkonen

Jews in Italy:  La Spezia Affair, Italy 1946
The latest contribution by Suzanne Kokkonen reflects on relations between the British occupiers, the Jewish refugees and the Italian authorities immediately after the Second World War. [Full article...]
Jewish History > 1860-1948: Early Zionist Age
Jews Around the World

Minorities in Israel: The Bedouin:  The Bedouins of the Negev confront a modern society
The title of this article is highly indicative of the attitude most Westerners have towards not only the Bedouins, but by and large towards any minority that can be considered traditional. The underlying assumption is that in confrontations between modern and traditional cultures, it is always the traditional one that will ultimately realize the benefits of embracing the modern culture. The title of this article could just as well have been "a modern society confronts the Bedouins of the Negev", implying that Israeli society has as much difficulty in understanding the Bedouins as they have understanding Israeli society. The on-going encounter between Israeli society and the Bedouins will leave its mark on both parties. The Bedouins' situation in Israeli society adds one more dimension to the discussion on the minorities in Israel. [Full article...]
Israel > Israeli Arabs

Jews in Italy:  Fascism and Zionism
New contributor Suzanna Kokkonen provides an historical background to the Jews of Italy and describes in detail the existence of Jewish Fascists and their relationship to Zionism. [Full article...]
Jews Around the World

Minorities in Israel: The Druze :  Between success and the search for identity
Of all the non-Jewish minorities in the Israeli society, the Druze seem to have been the most successful. The transition from a traditional community to a modern society could not have been easy. The apparent Druze success is due to internal factors, such as the character of the Druze religion, but also to external factors, most importantly to the military service Druze men perform as the only non-Jewish minority, to whom it is compulsory. In this article, I will examine the military service as the single most significant factor that has determined the nature of the relationship between the Druze and the State. Afterwards, I will present some aspects of the search for identity the Druze are facing. In Israeli society, questions of identity are crucial and the answers could have repercussions for the whole society. By presenting the Druze minority, this article seeks to contribute to the ongoing discussion of the minorities' rights and duties in the Israeli society. It can be argued that the Druze chose to exist in the Jewish State as a model of co-existence between two communities. In 1948, contrary to many Arabs, the Druze stayed in their villages and some joined the fight with the Jewish defenders. Despite the Druze contribution to the State, a widespread lack of knowledge has encouraged many half-truths and myths that surround this community. Yet, the relationship between the Druze and the State of Israel is complex and merits serious scholarly and official attention. [Full article...]
Israel > Israeli Arabs