Indian-Origin Israelis Seek Political Voice in Knesset Elections

Israelis are casting votes to elect the 26th Knesset, bringing renewed attention to the political representation of the country's approximately 85,000 Indian-origin Jews. Yaniv Ashtamker, a community leader from Kiryat Gat, is contesting this election on the Tzomet Beit Yisrael ticket, placed third on the party's list. His bid follows an earlier attempt in July 1984, when an independent community party named Shiluv contested the 11th election but failed to cross the 1 percent electoral threshold, securing 5,499 votes.

Community Background

The history of the community largely centres on the Bene Israel, the largest Indian-origin Jewish group, with roots in Maharashtra and the Konkan coast. Thousands migrated to Israel after its establishment in 1948, but their arrival was initially followed by a dispute over their religious status and protests in Jerusalem. In August 1964, Parliament adopted a resolution confirming that Bene Israel members were Jews in every respect. Dimona in southern Israel became a focal point for community activism, with activists forming a municipal party called Kiddum Dimona in 1980 and winning a city council seat.

Political Representation

While independent community parties struggled nationally, politicians of Indian origin have served in the Knesset through mainstream parties. Eli Ben Menachem, born in Bombay in 1947, served in the parliament from 1988 to 2006 and held government posts including deputy minister of Housing and Construction. Rafi Bhonker, who chairs the Indian Jewish Heritage Centre, notes that while the community takes immense pride in its Indian heritage and is well-integrated, members have generally remained less involved in politics. Revital Moses points out that small community numbers mean major parties do not run targeted campaigns for Indian Jewish voters.

Context

Israel's 120-member parliament is elected through a nationwide proportional representation system where parties must cross a 3.25 percent vote threshold to enter the legislature. Because an independent small-community party faces steep hurdles, running on a broader party list like Ashtamker's offers an alternative route to gaining a voice in government. This election also marks the first national vote since the attacks of October 7, making national security a paramount issue for all citizens.