Editor's Notes: Why won't Israel give its 100,000 olim a real political voice? -comment

This editorial argues that Anglo olim, despite building and defending Israel, lack political representation in the Knesset. It highlights the Douglas family as Nefesh B'Nefesh's 100,000th immigrant, contrasts with other immigrant groups who built parties, and criticizes Likud's slot 43 for a new immigrant as a token gesture. It calls for accountability from party leaders before September 9.

In this opinion piece, Zvika Klein argues that Anglo olim, despite their contributions to Israel, have no political representation in the Knesset. He opens with the Douglas family, Nefesh B'Nefesh's 100,000th North American immigrant, welcomed by President Herzog and Minister Ofir Sofer, but notes the absence of an elected representative for the community. Klein contrasts this with other immigrant groups: Moroccans, Iraqis, and Yemenis built Shas; Soviet olim formed a party within four years; French aliyah punches above its weight. He criticizes Likud's slot 43 for a new immigrant, calling it a preference written as a number, and notes that Michael Oren's political career ended when a party leader denied him a realistic slot. Klein argues that Anglo olim are now arriving with a grievance, as campuses and congregations become hostile, but there is no leader to channel it. He mentions Dan Illouz's resignation from Likud, Sharren Haskel's departure, and Dov Lipman's loss. He asks party leaders, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, how many Western immigrants will be in their realistic top 20, and challenges Anglos to recognize that nobody is keeping them out.