The Economy of Jewish Migration to Palestine in the Interwar Years

Jewish Migration to Palestine is often perceived as a phenomenon, which was driven by ideology and personal interest. However, the economic aspects also played a crucial role in the creation of the new Yishuv. These aspects reveal the transnational processes and networks, which became to effect Jewish migration. Beyond the narrative of migration driven by Zionist ideas and emotions, an economic analysis will demonstrate how influential European shipping companies became and challenged Zionist authorities. Thus, strategies and interests of European shipping companies, e.g. the Lloyd Triestino or the Gdynia America Line, became a decisive factor and often combined migration with other developments, e.g. tourism. Therefore, this study of Jewish migration to Palestine will look beyond the traditional storyline and examine migration as an economic enterprise influenced by ideologies and politics, but also international economic interests.