Exercising the right to vote is the basis of every democracy. In israel they do a lot to encourage people to vote. For example: when you show your voting card in public transportation your ride is free. As my cousin Netania explained it is a "shabaton". Offices and schools are closed the entire day. Shops, restaurants and cafes are open. At least most of them. Even though they have to pay their staff double salary on such a day. I have not decided yet what to do. I have not lived here long enough to understand the candidates programs. Except for their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which they often expressed during the Gaza war, I know nothing about their ideas and plans on social and economic issues. So should I vote or note? And if I do for who? Yesterday while at the absorption center for questions I had about my recent request to obtain the status of returning minor I picked up a paper in French that explains the election system in Israel. Definitely helpful so that if and when I go I know what to expect. I have a few more hours to think about this and read all sites - in English or French - about the candidates.
I had lunch with my cousin Netania and her husband Roni. They drove in heavy traffic from Herzlia to Tel Aviv. Stephane wanted to finish some work and did not accompany us. We ate at restaurant Sdera - 5 minutes from our house. Food there is great and very cheap. The weather though was horrendous! I do not remember having experienced such climate in Israel before. I felt as if I were back in the Netherlands. Wind, rain, cold.... when I came home and saw the news, I understood that there it was the same and worse. Difference is: I expect this weather here not to last for more than a day, whereas in the Netherlands....
Stephane and I ended up not voting. I felt a bit guilty about it but at the same time I really did not feel I had yet a right to vote. What do I know about Israeli politics and about what is happening here? Next time, I will. That's for sure.
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