"Exactly what we fled from in Russia": The 3 new mandates that could decide the elections

Approximately 102,000 new immigrants from Russia and Ukraine over the age of 18, who arrived in Israel since the outbreak of the war in 2022, are expected to vote for the first time in the elections for the 26th Knesset. The article presents the voices of several immigrants, emphasizing liberal values, democracy, separation of powers, and minority rights as key voting considerations, alongside criticism of the current government.

Approximately 102,000 new immigrants from Russia and Ukraine over the age of 18, who arrived in Israel since the outbreak of the war in 2022, are expected to vote for the first time in the elections for the 26th Knesset, constituting a force of nearly three mandates. The article presents the voices of several immigrants, emphasizing liberal values, democracy, separation of powers, and minority rights as key voting considerations. Oleg Yakovlev, who immigrated from Moscow, says that the elections in Russia were meaningless and emphasizes the importance of voting in Israel. Tatiana from Nof HaGalil criticizes the lack of investment in the periphery. Polina Golnick from Karmiel and Sergei Zorkovsky criticize the current government, claiming it ignored new immigrants and canceled assistance programs. The article presents the immigrants as a significant voting bloc with a liberal tendency that could influence the election results.