Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot's Party Gains Influential New Member Alex Reef

The political party "Yashar!" led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot announced the addition of Alex Reef, CEO and co-founder of the "Lobby of the Million" nonprofit, as a significant new member. Reef, recognized as a leading voice in shaping the public, political, and cultural status of Israel's Russian-speaking community over the past decade, will head the party's immigration and absorption program. She has been a prominent advocate for equal rights for 1.2 million Russian-speaking Israelis, leading public and parliamentary campaigns on issues such as cultural integration, recognition of Soviet veterans, poverty, elder abuse, and respectful conversion processes.

Reef, 40, originally from Ukraine and raised in Netanya, is a former military officer and economic advisor with degrees in political science, business administration, and public policy from the Hebrew University. She is also a graduate of the Sam Spiegel Film School and a recipient of the Culture Minister's Prize for her first book. Her joining follows a series of high-profile recruits to Eisenkot's party, including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, senior economist Shaul Meridor, former minister Matan Kahana, and Knesset member Orit Farkash-Hacohen.

Eisenkot praised Reef as a leader with public activism, execution ability, and social sensitivity, representing a generation demanding full participation in shaping Israel's future. Reef declared her commitment to fight racism, reduce bureaucracy, and promote opportunities for all generations in Israel, emphasizing her personal connection as the daughter of immigrants who came to Israel seeking a better future in a Jewish and democratic state.