Russia-Ukraine war creates new voting bloc in Israel as immigrants find their political voice

The Russia-Ukraine war has led to a significant wave of immigration to Israel, with approximately 120,000 new immigrants from Russia and Ukraine arriving since 2022. Over 102,000 of these new arrivals are eligible to vote, forming a new and politically engaged bloc in the upcoming October 27 election. Many, like Oleg Yakovlev, 40, from Moscow, express a strong desire to participate in a democratic system where their vote can have a real impact, a stark contrast to their experiences in Russia where "elections were meaningless."

• New immigrants prioritize issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, separation of religion and state, and protection of minorities, driven by their experiences in countries where democratic values were not upheld.
• Initiatives are emerging to help these immigrants understand and engage with Israeli politics, with many actively researching election issues and participating in political discussions.
• Concerns also include improving infrastructure and public services in peripheral cities, as highlighted by Tatiana, 43, who feels there is a lack of investment outside major urban centers.
• Some immigrants, like Polina Golnik, 36, and Sergei Zorkovsky, 41, express frustration over perceived changes in absorption policies and a feeling of being forgotten by the current government, emphasizing the importance of democratic and liberal values.