Israel Election Day
Tomorrow at 7.00 am Israelis begins to vote. We seem a nation in which each citizen seems to think he is the greatest expert in the world in his knowledge of Israeli politics. We seem to forget that Israel is a democracy, and that not only does every Israeli citizen have a right to vote, but political parties have the freedom to present their political opinions. It is sad that many use religion as a way to threaten their voters that if they don't vote for a religious party, they will go to hell or similar, or cursing non religious politicians, and explaining why Ariel Sharon is in a coma. It is terrible that the labour party's leader, Amir Peretz, is using Yizhak Rabin's death as an excuse to attack the Kadima party. It is shocking that a young man should die by climbing an electric pylon to take a Likud banner down, as if by his fatal deed he could have helped the labour party to more votes. Israel is still in its infancy as a state, and only because her wonderful children have had to grow up and become mighty warriors, Rabin, Sharon, Netanyahu and Ehud Barak are just a tiny example, many thousands are sadly resting in military cemeteries, that we have managed to survive and exist as a legitimate state. Those great heroes of Israel, many religious, many secular, thousands of new immigrants, Ashkenazim and Sephardi, all from diverse backgrounds, each with their own motivations, all these amazing people together, have fought mighty battles, and many sacrificing their lives, so that we can walk proudly vote for our next Knesset. One can criticize these peoples actions, and we must debate about their actions, and question their decisions, that is the essence of a just democratic society, but how can anybody dare to question our leaders love and patriotism of their country. If Israel is not united, and its factions do not dialogue with each other, and respect each other, we will head for disaster, a country at arms with its own people. The Likud party is an example of how a united party lost the respect of its own leaders, and by the wild actions of its members, the Likud party may well end up as Israel's fourth political party and soon become irrelevant in Israeli politics. Shinui too, by the actions of its ambitious members, completely destroyed itself. Shas on the other hand has remained united, and will probably do well tomorrow.
So lets hope that the Israeli voters come out in their millions to celebrate Israel's election day, and that Israel's citizens will show that they are not only fierce warriors, but a people with the strength and understanding to respect and listen to each other, and vote so that the best possible politicians will get elected, and Israel will be capable of coping with the tremendous challenges that are looming ahead.
Michael Bloom