Dan Finel, a recent immigrant from France, has created a significant online resource for olim (immigrants) wishing to grasp Israeli politics. His website, knesset2026.com, provides users with a straightforward questionnaire consisting of 16 questions. Based on their answers, visitors can identify the political candidate that closely aligns with their views. As a bonus, the site also offers a daily email newsletter featuring news about Israel in various languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Hebrew.
Understanding the Electoral Landscape
Voting for the first time in a new country can be daunting. Finel expressed his desire to better understand the candidates before casting his vote on October 27. With numerous political figures and parties, he found it challenging to gather adequate information in French or English. Many olim he spoke with echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the scarcity of accessible resources that cater to non-Hebrew speakers.
In response to this need, he developed the quiz on his platform. The quiz aims to simplify the decision-making process for those who may not easily follow local news in Hebrew. The questions are periodically updated to remain relevant, and users receive curated news about Israeli politics in simple, digestible formats. Each newsletter even includes a summary of the latest polling results, allowing users to stay informed about the evolving political landscape.
A Growing Community of Users
Finel, who is currently enhancing his Hebrew skills while working as a data scientist at Similarweb, has seen his platform gain popularity, attracting over 50,000 users, primarily aged between 25 and 40. Many users, like Finel, are navigating their first voting experience in Israel. The platform has proven beneficial not only for young adults but also for older newcomers, reinforcing its value.
Though Finel is the first in his family to make aliyah, he has strong connections to Israel, visiting annually from a young age. His grandparents reside in Ashdod, while more relatives are spread across Givat Shmuel and Tel Aviv. His deep roots in the community inspired him to help others transition into this new political environment.
Building Connections
During his internship in Israel, Finel met Susana Arditti, a childhood friend who is now his fiancée. Their relationship adds a personal dimension to his journey as they prepare for their wedding in October. Both share a passion for Israeli culture, and their decision to make aliyah together comes amidst the excitement of starting a new life in a vibrant country.
Finel’s experience in Israel has not been without challenges. Arriving during a period of conflict has tested his resilience. Nonetheless, he embraces the experience, fostering connections with both locals and fellow immigrants, which he appreciates more than he did in Paris. He values the sense of community and willingness of people to help one another, an aspect he finds particularly striking compared to the more reserved culture he left behind.
A Commitment to Unity
Despite the challenges, Finel’s commitment to contributing positively to Israeli society remains strong. He recognizes that the nation faces many divisions and emphasizes the importance of collective unity during elections. His platform serves not just as a resource for navigating political choices, but also as a tool to foster diversity of thought and encourage collaboration among different communities within Israel. In a time when cooperation is critical, Finel hopes his efforts will promote a sense of belonging and mutual support among all residents.