South African olim weigh in on their future

For South Africans who have made aliya, voting in Israel meant more than choosing a political party. It was a chance to influence the future of a country they’ve chosen to call home, amid uncertainty about its security, economy, leadership, and place in the world. 

As Israelis prepared to vote, South African immigrants had various priorities. Some were looking for greater unity and stability, while others were concerned about the country’s direction and the consequences of their choices. 

Julio Woznica, who moved to Israel about 14 months ago after living in South Africa for almost 50 years, said becoming an Israeli citizen had given him an opportunity to participate in the country’s future. “I’m honoured to be accepted as a full citizen and invited to put my opinion forward,” he said. 

Born in Uruguay, Woznica moved to South Africa in 1976. He and his wife recently decided to make aliya, joining family members who have settled in Israel. They are delighted with their decision. “The people of Israel are beautiful people,” he said. “Many times, we have to live in a society with uncertainty, but people live between uncertainty, happiness, and sadness.” 

Woznica hoped the election would help Israel move towards peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. However, he recognised that the political outcome might not deliver what he wanted. “The biggest challenge is to try to find a world of peace. I would like to see a world where people can coexist in peace.” 

Johnny Orlianski, who has lived in Israel for just under five years, was voting for the second time. He arrived shortly before the last election, before 7 October. Although he has settled in Israel, he said his feelings about the election had changed in recent months. “I actually felt more comfortable about voting two or three months ago,” he said. “But in the last few weeks or months, I’ve been kind of in two minds.” 

Orlianski, who works in the high-tech and finance sectors, said the economy was his biggest concern. He was particularly worried about the cost of living and the potential economic consequences of Israel’s international standing. 

He fears possible sanctions against Israel could affect businesses and international investment. His experience in finance has made him aware of how companies assess the risks of operating in countries facing potential sanctions. 

He also raised concerns about social welfare spending and the economic participation of the Haredi community, many of whose members devote themselves to religious study. However, his greatest hope for the election was greater unity among Israelis. 

“I would like to see a united Israel,” he said. “I think the biggest existential threat isn’t particularly outside influence. It’s what happens internally.” He believes political divisions are weakening the country and hopes the next government will bring together Israelis with different perspectives. 

Hilliard Ezra, another South African living in Israel, said deciding how to vote required weighing personal political preferences against the broader implications for the country. As a religiously observant Israeli, Ezra places considerable importance on preserving Israel’s identity as a Jewish State. Security and the country’s long-term future were also central to the decision. 

Ezra said the election had made many Israelis nervous because its outcome could represent a turning point. “There are bits and pieces that I appreciate in certain places, but you can’t vote like that,” Ezra said, explaining the difficulty of finding a political party that reflects every personal priority. 

Ezra believes voters should have considered parties’ policies and principles rather than focusing exclusively on individual politicians. The future of Israel’s military and the treatment of soldiers were also important considerations. Ezra said the next government would need to address the psychological effects of military service and ensure soldiers and their families receive appropriate support. 

The relationship between religious identity and military service was another contentious issue. Haredi men have historically received exemptions from compulsory military service, an arrangement that’s become increasingly controversial. Ezra believes Israel needs leadership capable of managing these divisions without abandoning its core values. 

For newcomers, understanding the political landscape can be difficult, particularly when the issues differ from those in South Africa. Tracy Milner, who made aliya from Johannesburg on 27 May, said she felt anxious about Israel’s political future. She returned to South Africa six weeks after arriving to finalise arrangements at home, before returning to Israel two weeks before the election. 

Milner said she was still unfamiliar with many of the issues shaping Israeli politics. “I’m feeling quite anxious because I don’t really know a lot of the Israeli issues,” she said. “The issues are very different from what we experience in the diaspora.” 

She also expressed concerns about political accountability, drawing comparisons with South Africa’s experience of former president Jacob Zuma and the legal proceedings against him. Milner believes political leaders should be held responsible for their actions, regardless of their position or party affiliation. 

Her experience highlights how newcomers can feel invested in Israel’s future while still learning about its political system. For these South Africans, the election brought different experiences, expectations, and concerns. Some prioritised economic stability, others focused on security and Jewish identity, while others hope for a more peaceful future. Their perspectives differ, but each reflects the process of building a life in a country whose political decisions directly affect them. 

Despite the uncertainty, Woznica remains happy with his decision to move. “I really enjoyed being in South Africa. Equally, I adapted to the new environment.” For South African olim, participating in Israeli democracy is part of that adaptation. It also gave them an opportunity to help shape the future of their new home.