This year, Israel will mark 30 years since the beginning of the large immigration wave from the Soviet Union, which changed the face of the country for the better. Contrary to the common perception, this wave still hasn't passed; every year thousands of Russian-speaking immigrants move to Israel. Since the 2015 election, these immigrants have equaled one Knesset mandate, maybe more. If we take into account the significant portion of Jews from the former Soviet Union who immigrated to the United States and Germany, settling down there instead of in Israel, we'll realize this wave of immigration hasn't been remotely maximized.
Israel's absorption of Russian-speaking immigrants has known its share of turbulence, but on the personal level, for the majority of these immigrants, it has been a success. Israeli society still hasn't fully capitalized on this immigration wave; many immigrants have hit the "glass ceiling." They made progress, moved ahead, but stopped advancing just before reaching managerial levels, where personal connections and help from "up top" are often essential. This has been to the general detriment of society, as this glass ceiling has prevented talented individuals from enriching our country in a wide range of fields. Out of over 1 million Russian-speaking immigrants, for example, only a tiny handful serve as judges. Other minority groups, which tendentiously complain of discrimination, have far greater representation in these positions.
Politicians from all parties – even those who purported to represent the Russian speakers – never addressed the issue of systematic obstacles preventing the integration of this community's cream of the crop. As paradoxical as it sounds, immigrants from the former Soviet Union are the most transparent group in Israeli society. Their representation in centers of influence and leadership positions is drastically lower in proportion to their population numbers and contribution to the country. Nor does immunity under the protective umbrella of political correctness apply to them. Saying the wrong thing about any other social or ethnic group could end someone's career. Similar comments about Russian-speaking Israelis don't seem to bother anyone.
Some people might posit that the media and decision-makers don't care about the problems of Russian-speaking immigrants because of their prevalent aversion to violent protests and overt complaints of discrimination. The upcoming election could change the picture; the number of Russian-speaking representatives in the outgoing Knesset was a measly 5%, far below the proportion to the population, which is 15%. We are now seeing the first response in the polls, which are predicting more mandates for Avigdor Lieberman. It remains to be seen, however, whether his irresponsible conduct during coalition negotiations has in actuality harmed these immigrants by thrusting them unwittingly into a vortex of ethnic and anti-religious wrangling.
However, something good can come out of this. Yisrael Beytenu's treacherous gambit stirred a large number of immigrants who aren't happy with Lieberman's hit job on the fledgling right-wing government and who want a say in the direction of the country. Lest we are mistaken, these aren't demands for sectorial benefits, rather expressions of a desire to assume leadership positions and to bear responsibility for the country's fate.
The political entity wise enough to identify this aspiration and truly integrate this population will discover an electoral treasure trove. Not just in the next election but for generations to come.
