[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img]Dateline Jerusalem – My father, may he rest in peace, was a mathematician. His high school year book said, “Even the waves in his hair are arranged mathematically.” His classmates referred to him as “genius” and “Mr. Einstein.” Not only did he have a genius IQ, but he had common sense, a trait that does not always go hand-in-hand with intelligence. He never was arrogant about his brilliance. His analysis of current events, politics and life in general was thought out methodically and logically. Although we did not always agree politically, I admired him for his insight. Often I would purposely play devil's advocate so I could use his arguments in debates I had with others. I am sure if he were alive today, he would have plenty to say about the recent elections in Israel and the United States.
Although I started UCLA pre-med, my degree was eventually in political science with a minor in psychology. I preferred playing bridge to going to class so I found a major that usually only required doing research and writing term papers. Research into U.S. government and world political systems, the mindsets of populations, and human behavior prepared me for my future careers, both as a cop and as a criminal defense lawyer. In those areas of endeavor, I saw the seedier side of life, so different from my sheltered childhood. As a result, I began to appreciate the logic of my father's analysis of politics in the U.S., Israel, and the world arena.
This week I voted in Israel. I went to the polls, stood in long lines and entered a room with the only other people present being election officials. I handed my teudat zehut (picture ID card) to an election official and received an envelope. I stood behind a solid screen where no one could observe me. On a table behind the screen was a tray with over 30 boxes of pieces of paper marked with the 30-plus different political parties running in this election. In Israel we vote for party, not individual candidates. I picked up the paper of my choice and slipped it into the envelope. I placed the sealed envelope in a ballot box, and my ID was returned to me. The voting process took less than a minute once I entered the room. Afterward I enjoyed the gorgeous weather with other Israelis who took advantage of it to go to parks, BBQs and be with family and friends on this national holiday. Israelis had election day off from their jobs. It was like a Shabbat, the difference being you could drive and travel with your family on this day off.
The following morning the results from all the precincts were in, and as per what happened in the U.S. election, the pollsters' predictions often were incorrect. Quite a few surprises, but not for me. Now the fun begins because the blocs from the left and from the right will negotiate and make deals and form coalitions since no single political party gained a majority of votes. The news media claimed that this election had one of the highest turnouts in Israeli history. Perhaps because of the good weather. Or because the stakes were so high. Maybe because some resented President Obama claiming that Israelis do not know what is good for them, that he knows better. Others were upset that Obama tried to manipulate the outcome of the Israeli election in the days prior to voting. It was obvious that with so many choices of parties and political viewpoints, Israelis wanted theirs to be heard.
I was not surprised by most of the voting. The people living in southern Israel who were victims of the rocket-fire and missiles launched by Palestinians into their cities and towns tended to vote for Likud, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu's party. They know that giving up land for peace and unsecured borders means their lives and those of their children will be endangered, that the future of the State of Israel will be threatened. They voted accordingly. Those in Tel Aviv and central Israel tend to be left wing, more concerned with social issues that affect their lifestyles and pocketbooks as opposed to the safety and security of Israel being of utmost importance. They voted for parties whose representatives had espoused releasing terrorists, returning to the indefensible pre-1969 borders, and for anyone who would tend to be anti-religious.
Form Held
Religious Israelis also voted predictably. The Ashkenazim and Sefardim voted for parties made up of their respective religious membership. Yet, rather than join forces to have strength to oppose anti-religious parties, these religious parties voted for their own leaders. Many necessary votes were wasted. Religious Israelis tend to be more right wing, anti-religious more left wing. Some parties' platforms have only one issue, that being anti-religious. Parties whose heads are female garnered many female voters for the sole reason that they would put a woman in power, regardless of the outrageous political dogma of those women.
Some right wing Israelis did not vote Likud because they mistakenly believed the pollsters that he would win by a great margin and therefore their vote would not make a difference. They tended to vote for smaller parties with charismatic representatives or who espoused convictions similar to their own. Other right wing voters wanted someone stronger than Bibi to stand up to the U.S., EU, and U.N. They wanted action, not rhetoric. Many Israelis voted for parties that had clout but were not necessarily represented by candidates of their choice. They voted this way to not waste their vote on a party that may not get any seats in the Knesset (Legislature) – or they did not want to dilute the strength of an established party that could block a party vehemently opposed to their ideals. Too many votes were wasted this election. With over 30 parties vying for seats, about anything goes in Israel. Voting here is a real experience.
As for my vote, I enjoy the privilege of a secret ballot. Those who know me well, as I am quite outspoken when it comes to politics, will not have to think hard about my election choice. I tried to think how my father, AH, would have approached this election with his logical mind. I think I would have made him proud.
L'hitraot. Shachar