Academic conferences draw Israeli expats home just days before election

Tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates are expected to return to Israel ahead of the October 27 election, drawn by academic conferences scheduled for October 25-26 as part of Israeli Science and Academia Week. Research indicates most scholars flying in are likely to vote for opposition parties, potentially boosting their chances. Some academics have travel expenses covered by private institutions, raising legal questions. Likud withdrew a lawsuit against the Fly&Vote initiative. A Tel Aviv University study found nearly 270,000 Israelis left the country between 2023 and 2025, many highly educated professionals.

Tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates are expected to return to Israel ahead of the October 27 election, drawn by dozens of academic conferences scheduled just days before the vote. The conferences are part of Israeli Science and Academia Week, organized by the Mind-IL initiative in collaboration with the Israel Young Academy, with 59 events listed on Mind-IL's website, most set for October 25 and 26. While academics span the political spectrum, research indicates most scholars flying in are likely to vote for parties opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially boosting the opposition. Some academics have travel expenses covered by private institutions, raising questions about legality under Israeli election law, which prohibits financial incentives to influence voter participation. Assaf Shapira of the Israel Democracy Institute noted that without explicit evidence of attempted voter influence, proving intent would be difficult. Jeremy Sarnat, a researcher at Emory University, said he deliberately timed his visit to coincide with the election, viewing it as "particularly pivotal." Israel does not allow absentee voting except for diplomats, so most expatriates must return to vote. The AID Coalition estimates over 53,000 Israelis will travel home to vote, a number that could shift the closely fought campaign. Likud recently filed and then withdrew a lawsuit against the coalition's Fly&Vote initiative. A 2023 Hebrew University study found support for right-wing parties declines as education and income rise. A Tel Aviv University study reported nearly 270,000 Israelis left the country between 2023 and 2025, many highly educated professionals, fueling fears of a brain drain.