Who the 'pumpkin aliyah' supports in the Knesset elections – poll

A Newsru.co.il poll shows that immigrants of the 2022–2026 wave ("pumpkin aliyah") are on average younger, more educated, but with lower income than long-time residents. Their electoral preferences lean centrist: 44% identify as centrist, 29% as right-wing, 11% as left-wing. Among parties, Yisrael Beiteinu leads (23%), followed by the "BeYachad" bloc (16%) and "HaDemokratim" (13%). Likud receives only 9%. Ultra-Orthodox parties face the strongest rejection.

A Newsru.co.il poll focusing on immigrants of the 2022–2026 wave, known as the "pumpkin aliyah," paints a portrait of a voter markedly different from long-time residents. New immigrants are on average twelve years younger, more likely to have higher education, but have weaker Hebrew proficiency. Their average personal income is about 11,500 shekels gross, and their financial situation is more often described as difficult. About 37% live in the north, in Haifa and its surroundings. Only 3% have served in the IDF. Politically, a centrist bias dominates: 44% identify as centrist, 29% as right-wing, 11% as left-wing. Unlike long-time residents, for whom the leader's personality is important, new immigrants focus on party platforms. The Yisrael Beiteinu party leads (23%), followed by Naftali Bennett's "BeYachad" bloc (16%) and Yair Golan's "HaDemokratim" movement (13%). Likud gets only 9%. The ultra-Orthodox parties "Yahadut HaTorah" and Shas face the strongest rejection.