Former Miss Israel Titi Aynau Endorses Avigdor Lieberman's Party

Titi Aynau-Frankel, who became the first woman of Ethiopian descent to be crowned Miss Israel in 2013, has publicly declared her support for Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party ahead of upcoming elections. Aynau, a communications specialist focusing on international public diplomacy, cited Lieberman's consistent leadership and understanding of immigrant integration issues as reasons for her endorsement. She stated that Lieberman, like herself, understands the challenges faced by new immigrants, and she believes he recognized the potential for the October 7th events before the country's leadership did.

Aynau, who immigrated from Ethiopia at age 12 after her parents' death and grew up in Netanya, also highlighted the need for a state commission of inquiry, a law for universal conscription, and better representation for Ethiopians in decision-making positions. She has been active in combating antisemitism on US university campuses since October 7th and advocates for the Ethiopian Jewish community in Ethiopia and for an investigation into the disappearance of a young girl, Haymanot Kassau.

Avigdor Lieberman welcomed Aynau's support, praising her "independent voice" and "Israeli story of determination and overcoming barriers." He expressed a desire for her to leverage her expertise in international public diplomacy to bolster Israel's global standing during a period of perceived crisis in international perception.

Aynau's endorsement comes amid political tensions within the opposition bloc. Lieberman has recently been critical of his "Change bloc" partners, warning of a potential split that could impact the upcoming election campaign. He specifically criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, accusing him of a strategy that weakens the broader camp to benefit his own position.