Titi Aynaw, the Ethiopian-Israeli hasbara advocate and former Miss Israel, has announced her support for Yisrael Beiteinu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman in the upcoming elections.
"Liberman has the most suitable experience to lead the country," Aynaw declared. "He is a consistent leader where you can clearly know what he believes in and where he stands. His word is his word. As someone who immigrated to Israel like Liberman, I know that he understands the challenges of aliyah, absorption, and the need to fight for your place."
Aynaw's personal story embodies the Israeli immigrant experience. She arrived from Ethiopia at age 12 after losing her parents, grew up in Netanya with her siblings, studied at a religious boarding school, and served as an officer in the military police. In 2013, she became Israel's first Miss Israel from the Ethiopian community, bringing with her a narrative of immigration, perseverance, and breakthrough.
In recent years, Aynaw has dedicated herself to hasbara work for Israel worldwide. She has conducted advocacy missions through JNF, spoken on campuses across America and around the globe both before and after October 7, engaged with Jewish communities and Taglit participants, and fought against antisemitism.
Aynaw has also emerged as a powerful voice for Ethiopian-Israeli rights, addressing issues including over-policing of young community members, bringing remaining Ethiopian Jews to Israel, and leading the campaign to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Yehimanot Kaso.
"Israel is my home. I grew up here, built my life here, and I'm raising my children here," Aynaw stated. "I want them to grow up in a secure country, in a country that sees its citizens and gives every boy and girl an opportunity to advance and succeed. I know what it means to start over, to work hard, and to fight for your place. I support Avigdor Liberman because I believe in his experience, in his ability to make the right decisions. Israel needs leadership that will take responsibility for our security. Liberman was the first to identify the October 7 scenario while the obtuse leadership wasn't listening. We must establish a state commission of inquiry and pass a universal draft law."
Aynaw continued: "I believe this partnership must also advance real representation for Ethiopians in decision-making centers, alongside addressing over-policing, closing gaps, and providing equal opportunity in education and employment for every child in Israel. Liberman understands the importance of fighting for Israel's standing and image in the world. After October 7, we are at an unprecedented low point globally, this is not a decree of fate. It can be changed."
Yisrael Beiteinu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman responded: "I welcome Titi Aynaw's support and trust. Titi brings with her an independent voice and an Israeli story of determination and breakthrough. She advances the voice of Ethiopian immigrants in Israel and works for their integration into Israeli society. Titi voices a clear and strong message defending the State of Israel in the world. Israel is in a hasbara and consciousness crisis, particularly among young people in America and around the world. This is a strategic threat to the State of Israel and to Israel's alliance with the United States. I would be happy if Titi agrees to harness her extraordinary abilities in the field of international hasbara and to continue, together with me, the fight for the State of Israel and its standing in the world."
