Elections


Today marks Israel's election for the 22nd knesset. 

Unlike in Massachusetts or Maryland, where your vote likely doesn't count (the majority votes Democratic) in Israel, not only do you have the day off to vote, but what you select really feels that it matters.

The kids woke up excited this morning. They didn't fully understand to start what voting meant, but it was great to wake up late. Walking together as a family, we met others along the way performing their civic duty. Our teudat zehuts in hand, the process was very manual and rather surprising for a modern, innovative country.

The box, filled with envelopes to put in your card, was placed on two classic Israeli plastic chairs. The booth was a tri-fold poster board. Behind it, a container with slots with lots of cards to chose from. It was unclear if you put more than one inside or just one. We picked one. Later to find out that yes, this is in fact correct.

The  envelope is also unique, with a signature from the beit mishpat (court house) if my memory doesn't fail me on this one. Israel's menorah symbol is present everywhere. Asking to have our photo taken, to mark the official right of passage as Olim, was a feeling that's not easy to describe.

It's amazing that the whole country is off for the day. Buses run free of charge. Various stores are closed. Some open. Since we have been in Israel more than 60 days we were allowed to vote. After going to the polls, we went to the Apple Park (a huge playground) and then ate pizza for lunch, followed by playdates and now screen time before dinner and bed.

May the best candidate win and may Gd continue to watch over our special, little country.

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