New immigrants embrace chance to vote in Israeli election

New immigrants to Israel described a sense of responsibility and excitement as they cast their ballots, with two voters saying they hoped a change of leadership would address both domestic and security challenges.

Miriam Ross, originally from Chicago, said she voted in Israel for the first time after moving to the country about a year and a half ago. She arrived at her polling station in Tel Aviv at 7:30 am.

“I woke up with too much energy to do anything other than get there immediately,” she said.

Ross said living in Israel through a period of conflict had shaped her view that change was needed. Voting, she added, gave her a sense of agency that was different from following events from abroad.

“Refusing to change or missing a chance for changing when it’s required has just as much of a cost,” she said.

Ross also planned to vote in the United States, where she said she would send her ballot by mail.

Ruth Hochman, a fashion designer from London, said she arrived at her polling station shortly before 7 am. Hochman first made Aliyah, the term for Jewish immigration to Israel, 12 years ago, but later left the country. She returned in November 2024.

“Democracy is everything,” she said. “And the fact that we’re in the Jewish democratic homeland makes it even more important.”

Hochman said she voted for former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, citing his business background, military service and ability to represent Israel internationally. She acknowledged the argument that a change in leadership during conflict could be disruptive, but said she believed Bennett could take over smoothly.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that wartime is not the moment to change leaders, Hochman and Ross both said domestic concerns and security policy had influenced their desire for change.

The broadcast also featured Elan Gilad, CEO of Belong, an organization that helps immigrants settle into Israeli society. Gilad said the group had launched a campaign to encourage new immigrants, known as Olim, to vote after hearing that some felt they did not know enough about Israeli politics.

The campaign provided practical information about voting and held panels where parties explained their positions, including policies relevant to immigrants, he said.

“If you want to decide or to make an impact on how it’s going to look for the next few years, that’s your role,” Gilad said.

He said Belong hoped to see immigration rise substantially over the coming decade.

For Hochman, participation carried personal significance. After an earlier attempt to settle in Israel, she said her return had gone well. “This time, I’m going for it,” she said.