Esti Ayalon Kovo enters Knesset race to stop Jerusalem’s problems from spreading across Israel

Esti Ayalon Kovo has seen what is happening across our country, and is ready to work for a better tomorrow.

A resident of Jerusalem, she has witnessed the challenges facing Israel’s capital, including economically, socially, and where the interests of the powerful and influential haredi community often clash with those of others that live here. Today, she sees parallels between what’s happening in Jerusalem and across the country.

But far from being driven to despair, Ayalon Kovo knows that a brighter future is possible, and she is willing to fight for it.

Born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel and having formerly served as head of Israel’s Economic Mission in China, Ayalon Kovo moved to Jerusalem for the future – and she means that quite literally, having chosen it for her children’s education.

Now, she has transitioned from diplomacy to politics to fight for her children, to make sure they can live in a country that can give them the future they deserve. And doing that means both taking on a perceived culture that avoids taking accountability, as well as what she believes is the haredi state-within-a-state, to make sure what has happened to Jerusalem doesn’t happen everywhere else in the country.

For this reason, Ayalon Kovo has joined up with B’Yachad in the 21st slot on its list, believing that only Naftali Bennett can help her achieve the necessary changes to the Jewish state.

Before the elections, In Jerusalem spoke with Ayalon Kovo about her life, career, and what she thinks are the issues in this heated Knesset race.

What brought you to Jerusalem?

I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. In Israel’s capital. It’s never boring here. We actually came here because my kids got accepted to a school here – and we have loved it. We live in Beit Hakerem; it’s such a special neighborhood.

What got you into diplomacy?

From a young age, before I even really understood the professional options, I felt I wanted to represent Israel around the world. Later on, my interest in the complexity and multifaceted nature of diplomacy drew me to the field.

What made you join B’Yachad and run for elections?

More than anything, I’m in this for my children and their future. To make sure they have the future they deserve, this country needs immediate, serious repair. We need effective governance and thorough plans to tackle the fundamental challenges facing the country, and only Naftali Bennett is capable of delivering this.

What do you think are the defining issues of the election this year?

I see two main issues. First, this country lacks effective leadership that takes responsibility. The result is what we’ve seen, where one failure follows another: Oct. 7, the flydubai hijacking, and more. Second, we need to save Israel as a liberal, Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. To do that, we simply have to break up the haredi state-within-a-state that’s emerged here regarding enlistment, education, and the workforce. Otherwise, I’m afraid that many of the troubling economic, educational, and social trends we’ve seen in Jerusalem will be seen across the entire country.

What advice do you have for any olim who dream of making change in Israel and running for office?

You didn’t come here to sit back and watch Israel’s story unfold. Take an active part in shaping it. This is your country. Your home.

Getting involved in elections is a great place to start.

If you want change and repair after these difficult past few years, we at B’Yachad would love to have you on our team.