"Likud is something I don't get close to. I'm looking for substance, not 'he's bad'"

In the 'Skipping a Generation' format, we sat down for a conversation with grandfather Eli Welk, a former immigrant from the Soviet Union and former Israeli diplomat, and his grandson Elam Grabinar (27). The two discussed the political situation in Israel, attitudes toward Likud, new parties, the cost of living, the character of the state, and the feeling of being Israeli. Elam expressed frustration with existing politics and declared he would vote for a new party.

As part of Israel Hayom's 'Skipping a Generation' format, we held an intergenerational conversation between grandfather Eli Welk, a veteran immigrant from the former Soviet Union and former Israeli diplomat, and his grandson Elam Grabinar (27). Eli told the story of his immigration, including his refusal to participate in the 'Operation Wedding' plane hijacking, and his arrival in Israel in 1971. The conversation touched on the political situation: Eli admitted sympathy for Likud but noted that 'Likud is not the same Likud.' Elam attacked, saying: 'Likud is something I don't get close to. I'm looking for someone who talks about substance.' He declared he would vote for the party 'El HaDegel' (the program was recorded before the movement announced it would not run in the 2026 elections). The two also discussed the cost of living, public transportation on Shabbat, and the feeling of being Israeli. Elam expressed fear of the day when he would 'have no choice' but to leave the country, but stated that leaving is not an option for him.