Best – campaign – ever

I’ll admit it. Four days til Israeli elections (again) and I haven’t gone to one political meeting, rally, briefing or otherwise. My normally politically-involved self has somehow gone on vacation mode.

To be fair, together with various members of my family, we were away over the summer for up to six(!) glorious weeks, often with no internet, phone reception, makeup or even clean clothes.  News from Israel was once a day rather than at each glance to a screen, and rarely focused on who’s saying what about whom on the election trail.

Honestly, we did do this just a few short months ago. I diligently attended meetings, public and private, with this country’s finest – leaders whom I do admire and support for their continued service. I did what any responsibly involved Israeli should do, in my opinion, finding the right fairly-large party and helping expand their base, to ensure an electoral win. I do believe that if you’re going to have an opinion, you must step up when asked to pitch in., and make a difference.

So what’s with the sloughing off this time around? That’s just it. It feels like the next round, but one we’ve already seen. Not much has changed – Gantz et.al. continue to say whatever is the opposite of PM Netanyahu. No one but the current leadership can point to accomplishments in government that feel like they can run the country, come Wednesday. Yet those in power seem tired, the right people who question their ability to win the election, willing to create laws to protect that outcome.

This Tuesday will hopefully put Bennett and Shaked, in their new order, back in their rightful place as talented, reliable visionaries who get things done. I hope Netanyahu, back at the helm, will realize the tremendous boost they give, and set up a responsible leadership as first among equals – as Menachem Begin taught us all. The list of Likud talent is vast, and they’ll prove it over the years, developing a cadre of new leaders I’m proud to call ours.

I probably should have stepped up to the front line as usual, to do my small part to ensure the outcome I feel is most responsible for our country. Maybe it’s the sun. Or the welcome break from checking my phone every minute. The warm, welcoming beaches and miles of bike-able rail trails; the sandy giant turtles and forests full of deer have brightened my days and dampened the desire to fight it out on the political front.

Let’s hope I’m not sorry on Tuesday night.

Wherever you are, keep in mind: We are the only spot this side of the world to boast real democratic elections. Proud to be here, in any state of mind. Now go vote!