Israeli Parties Court Russian Speakers Ahead of Elections

With Israeli elections approximately one month away, political parties are intensifying efforts to appeal to Russian-speaking voters, promising significant attention to their concerns and demands. The author, Yevgenia Finkelshtein, a publicist and commentator, notes that this "wonderful time" sees parties suddenly remembering the existence and voting power of this demographic, a focus that typically wanes after election day.

The "Yashar!" party is highlighted for its recent advertisements targeting Russian-speaking voters. One ad features Alex Rif, presented as a candidate in a non-sectarian party, occupying a "real place" on the list. Finkelshtein observes that "Yashar!" strategically positions itself as the sole party with a suitable Russian-speaking candidate by labeling other parties, such as NDI, as "sectarian" and dismissing Vladimir Belyak's position on the "Behayad" list as not "passable." The author questions the logic of devaluing a party's work based on its "sectarian" label and criticizes the premature dismissal of Belyak, who has parliamentary experience.

Finkelshtein points out the common tactic of setting self-serving criteria to claim uniqueness. She also notes the irony that "Yashar!" aims to lead a government likely formed with the very parties it criticizes in its Russian-language advertising, suggesting a strategy of undermining potential allies. The article further scrutinizes a "Yashar!" event advertised in Russian for Russian-speaking voters to discuss immigrant policy, which is to be held in Hebrew. The author argues that such meetings should be conducted in the voters' native language or at least provide full translation, emphasizing that political meetings are for the constituents, not the candidate's convenience.

The author criticizes "Yashar!" for not recognizing the inherent contradiction in hosting a meeting about immigrant issues in Hebrew, suggesting a disconnect from the very audience they seek to represent. Finkelshtein concludes that genuine understanding of the Russian-speaking community requires more than just seeking votes; it necessitates inclusive communication. She advises voters to scrutinize election ads, especially the fine print, and to look beyond candidate placements to the actual work of politicians.