As Israel marks the first anniversary of the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack, Russian emigres who fled to Israel following the invasion of Ukraine express little interest in returning to their homeland. The escalation of fighting in Gaza, confrontations with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the threat of a broader conflict involving Tehran have contributed to their decision. Many Russian emigres feel that the political situation in Russia poses a greater risk to them than the violence in the Middle East. Around 65,000 Russians have moved to Israel since 2022 using the country’s repatriation program, making it a top destination for wartime emigres.
Despite the ongoing violence in the Middle East, many Russians in Israel feel that the situation in Russia is more threatening. They feel a surge of patriotism and solidarity with Israelis following the deadly Hamas attack, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostage situations. The attack sparked a devastating war in Gaza that has since expanded into Lebanon, with over 1,110 people killed. Israel has conducted massive strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon and launched ground operations. In Gaza, the military offensive has displaced almost all of its 2.4 million residents amid a humanitarian crisis.
Some Russians in Israel trust the Israeli army to protect its citizens, despite the ongoing threat of war with Iran. Others express concerns about knife attacks or shootings that regularly occur in parts of Israel. The danger of war in Israel is compared to the hostilities in Russia, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine that have faced cross-border attacks since the invasion. While some Russians consider moving to another country due to the regional escalation, they are not ready to reconsider returning to Russia, citing safety concerns and political unrest.
The Russian emigres in Israel have varying opinions on the situation, with some feeling a sense of patriotism and solidarity with Israelis, while others express concerns about the ongoing violence and threats. Despite disagreements with the government’s policy regarding Gaza and the regionwide escalation, many do not see returning to Russia as a viable option. The threats of violence in Israel, both from external conflicts and internal attacks, contribute to their decision to stay in Israel. Overall, the Russian emigres in Israel are determined to remain in the country despite the challenges they face.
As The Moscow Times continues to face challenges due to being declared an “undesirable” organization by Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, the journalists refuse to be silenced. They highlight the importance of independent journalism in the face of repression and ask for support to continue their work. The ongoing conflicts and political instability in both Russia and the Middle East underscore the need for unbiased reporting and independent journalism to inform the public. By supporting organizations like The Moscow Times, readers can defend open and transparent journalism in the face of censorship and suppression.
