TV Host, and war correspondent at the Channel 9
Ideological Adaptation: How Israel Changes the Worldview of New Olim
Every wave of immigration to Israel inevitably brings a clash between two worlds: people’s preconceived notions of the country and the complex reality they find upon arrival. For many, this encounter becomes a personal ideological test. Some reevaluate their beliefs, drifting closer to the left-leaning, humanist camp. Others, on the contrary, only strengthen their right-wing convictions. Why does this happen?
Experience vs. Expectation
Those who come to Israel without a deep understanding of its context often base their worldview on simplified images — “a democracy amid conflict,” “a small country striving for peace.” When they encounter military realities, constant tension, and the machinery of bureaucracy, cognitive dissonance arises: the country turns out to be far more complicated than expected.
To restore internal balance, some choose an interpretation in which “the system” and “the occupation” are to blame. In this way, a left-wing outlook becomes a means of explaining and simplifying contradictions — a way to relieve the discomfort of personal responsibility.
The Mechanism of Adaptation
Political and ideological shifts are often not perceived as political at all. For someone changing country, language, and social environment, adopting new views can serve as a psychological mechanism of adaptation.
Left-wing rhetoric, especially in cities and academic circles, is perceived as a cultural code — a language of belonging to the “enlightened” part of society.
Thus, moving toward more liberal views is not always the result of conscious reflection; it is often an attempt to integrate into a new social system of coordinates.
Left-wing rhetoric, especially in cities and academic circles, is perceived as a cultural code — a language of belonging to the “enlightened” part of society.
Thus, moving toward more liberal views is not always the result of conscious reflection; it is often an attempt to integrate into a new social system of coordinates.
The Cost of Conviction
At the same time, for people with a solid value system grounded in historical knowledge, security realities, and an understanding of the regional context, ideological change does not come automatically.
Such individuals do not seek moral comfort — they seek internal integrity. Their views are not shaped by current political trends but emerge from experience, awareness of threats, and knowledge of facts.
For them, being “right-wing” does not mean being harsh; it means seeing reality without idealization, even when that reality is uncomfortable.
Such individuals do not seek moral comfort — they seek internal integrity. Their views are not shaped by current political trends but emerge from experience, awareness of threats, and knowledge of facts.
For them, being “right-wing” does not mean being harsh; it means seeing reality without idealization, even when that reality is uncomfortable.
Ideology as Identity
A change in beliefs is often linked not to new information but to a shift in identity.
People who seek support and belonging in their new society tend to adopt its dominant values. But when a worldview is part of one’s personal identity rather than a product of environment, it survives migration as resiliently as one’s native language or accent. In this sense, right-wing views are often not a stance “against,” but a form of inner consistency — a continuation of a worldview formed long before immigration.
People who seek support and belonging in their new society tend to adopt its dominant values. But when a worldview is part of one’s personal identity rather than a product of environment, it survives migration as resiliently as one’s native language or accent. In this sense, right-wing views are often not a stance “against,” but a form of inner consistency — a continuation of a worldview formed long before immigration.
Between Realism and Utopia
Israeli reality is a place where moral dilemmas are not theoretical but daily.
Those who strive for humanist ideals often adopt a left-wing lens: it offers hope for peace and dialogue.
Those who see the world as a network of threats tend to realism and caution — that is, toward the right.
Both positions are, in a sense, natural. The difference lies in temperament: utopian faith versus pragmatic restraint.
Those who strive for humanist ideals often adopt a left-wing lens: it offers hope for peace and dialogue.
Those who see the world as a network of threats tend to realism and caution — that is, toward the right.
Both positions are, in a sense, natural. The difference lies in temperament: utopian faith versus pragmatic restraint.
In Conclusion
Aliyah is not only a change of country, but also a test of one’s inner compass.
Some adjust to their new environment; others continue to view it through the prism of knowledge and experience acquired long before. Ultimately, the difference between those who change their worldview and those who preserve it comes down to one thing: some seek harmony in the outer world, others, within themselves.
Some adjust to their new environment; others continue to view it through the prism of knowledge and experience acquired long before. Ultimately, the difference between those who change their worldview and those who preserve it comes down to one thing: some seek harmony in the outer world, others, within themselves.
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