A transnational <i>millet</i> in the Jewish state: A Judeo‐Spanish diaspora between Israel and Turkey, 1948–1958

Between 1948 and 1956, 36,302 Jews migrated from Turkey to Israel, forming the largest Turkish diaspora hub at that time. Drawing on nine newspapers published by in Israel their vernacular, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), this article sheds light complex nature of migrants' transnational affinity Republic how it coexisted with Jewish nationalism. In addition situating development within broader context post-WWII transnationalism, we also delineate unique historic status as ethnic communities or millet. Examining post-Ottoman era, show they leveraged political, commercial leisure-related ties Turkey—deemed more developed those terms than Israel—to empower themselves an community facilitate integration into state. so doing, study bridges some gaps analyses Muslim non-Muslim migrations, suggests rethink languages used explore transnationalism well its geographical borders underlying characteristics.