I have been following the political career of Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman for several years now out of an interest to get to know the world of leaders. Although I do not share Lieberman's political views, one cannot deny the fact that he came to work hard and brought his extensive public experience and strong character to the Finance Ministry.
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Every once in a while I wonder what heights he would have reached had he been born in Israel and spoken Hebrew without a heavy Russian accent. Had he looked just as native Israeli as Benny Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu and Yair Lapid. Would he have already been prime minister? Or at least a candidate? Would he have garnered more public support?
Lieberman has lived in Israel for 44 years, longer than many Israelis. For 26 years, he has been part and parcel of Israeli politics and governing. I think apart from Netanyahu, Lieberman is the most experienced Israeli politician. In his 30s, he was already director-general of the Prime Minister's Office, and since then has held three high-ranking positions – defense minister, foreign affairs minister, and finance minister.
I view Lieberman as a smart, responsible and strong person, qualities required to be a leader. He speaks rich Hebrew, albeit with small grammar mistakes and a thick accent one cannot help but notice. As I watch him being interviewed on television, I am always amazed: the man does not get excited or angry at defiant questions directed at him.
Having observed Lieberman's actions, I have got two insights: First, he doesn't report to anyone. And the voters get the message. If all of them \voted for Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu, the party would garner 20 seats in the Knesset. But most of those who offer compliments and admiration end up voting for a different faction. The question is why.
Secondly, I don't think any of these people discriminate against Lieberman because he is Russian, but subconsciously, his accent probably prevents many from voting for a party that seems Russian, although it is rooted in Zionism and its members are good men and women, people of action, soldiers, immigrants, Jews and non-Jews.
The political history of Israel is full of leaders who spoke with accents: from David Ben-Gurion to Abba Eban. And let's not forget Moroccan-born David Levy, a very worthy man who suffered greatly due to his origin and heavy accent.
As such, let us leave behind the influence of external factors such as beauty and accents when we arrive at the voting booths on November 1.
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