Young Russian Jews say 'Da' to Birthright, but 'Nyet' to aliyah

A large majority of Russian Jewish youth are unhappy. Eighty-seven percent are interested in emigrating; however, less than half of this group - 36 percent - consider Israel a desirable destination and only 30 percent are considering immigrating in the next four years

"For most of the group, it was just fun to go on a trip for free with young people, so they went," she says. "Especially those from the Caucasus, who aren't used to urban life and shopping malls. But from my conversations with them, they have no plans to come live in Israel."

Olga says she has many friends in Israel and has visited several times, but has no plans to immigrate

research included all 1,127 of last summer's birthright participants from the former Soviet U

A total of 1,006 participants aged 17-30 answered questionnaires. All the respondents would be entitled to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return, but only 51 percent are Jewish under Jewish law