Haifa Voters Discuss Hopes and Fears in Crucial Election

Haifa residents, including a significant Russian-speaking immigrant population, lined up at polling stations on October 27 to cast their votes in what many described as a "fateful" election. The city, with approximately 75,000 residents from the former Soviet Union, saw a diverse mix of new immigrants and long-time Israelis participating. At the Fichman Elementary School polling station, voters from students at the nearby Technion to pensioners, and new arrivals to native-born Israelis, waited to cast their ballots. Many came with their families, viewing the act as an educational opportunity for their children about democracy. Concerns about security and the desire for an end to constant conflict were recurring themes among voters. New immigrants Dima and Jamilia, who arrived from Kazan in 2023, expressed that recent wars most influenced their decision, hoping for positive change and an end to fighting within two to three years. They contrasted the Israeli voting experience with Russia's, emphasizing that their vote felt genuinely impactful in Israel. Long-time resident Ella, who has lived in Israel for 30 years, voiced fears of a new war and hoped for a simpler, more affordable life. Marina, a care worker, used AI to help her decide her vote, noting that even within families, differing choices were accepted without argument, united by a desire for improvement.

Police volunteer Vitaly Basenok, a web designer and pilot who immigrated 11 years ago, patrolled the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood with police officers, ensuring order. He stated that the events of October 7th motivated him to volunteer, emphasizing the need for self-defense. Basenok expressed a desire for a political system with more checks and balances, separation of religion and state, and a focus on citizens' welfare. He criticized the lack of accountability following the October 7th events, comparing it to the need for thorough investigation in aviation to prevent future disasters. He felt that those responsible, including the Prime Minister, were avoiding accountability.

Many Haifa residents utilized the free public transportation offered on election day to visit markets or enjoy the seaside. Yulia, a linguist and new immigrant from Moscow, voted for the first time in Israel, feeling her vote carried more weight. She was involved in a campaign to boost turnout among Russian-speaking new immigrants. Her primary hope was for peace within a couple of years. Pensioner Eddy, who immigrated from Romania in the 1950s, expressed hope for the best but also voiced concerns about potential escalation in Iran and the need to fix essential infrastructure like emergency lighting in his building's bomb shelter.