Hugs, bridges, and coalitions

Candidate for President Miriam Peretz hugs elected President Isaac Herzog after knowing the results at the Knesset. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Candidate for President Miriam Peretz greets elected President Isaac Herzog after knowing the results at the Knesset. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Candidate for President Miriam Peretz (center) poses for a photograph with elected President Isaac Herzog (right) and his wife Michal after knowing the results at the Knesset. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Elected President Isaac Herzog after knowing the results of the election at the Knesset. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Isaac Herzog talks in his cellphone after being elected next President of the State. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

PM Biniamin Netanyahu greets Isaac Herzog for being elected new President of the State. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid (right) talks to Yemina leader Naftali Bennett at the Knesset. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yemina Party leader Naftali Bennett talks to MK Ayelet Shaked at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yemina Party leader Naftali Bennett talks to MK Ayelet Shaked at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid smiles at the Knesset. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

PM Biniamin Netanyahu attends the election of new President of the State at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yemina leader Naftali Bennett (second left) gestures during a conversation with Defense Minister Benny Gantz (left) as Culture Minister Hilly Tropper and MK Ayelet Shaked look on at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yemina leader Naftali Bennett (left) talks to Labor Party Chairwoman Merav Michaeli at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yemina leader Naftali Bennett (left) talks to Labor Party Chairwoman Merav Michaeli at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Yemina leader Naftali Bennett (left) talks to Labor Party Chairwoman Merav Michaeli at the Knesset plennum. Photo:© Ariel Jerozolimski

Especially these days, the Israeli society needs a big and warm hug, a hug to bring closer their differences.

A hug as was given by Miriam Peretz, the candidate for president to the winning candidate Isaac Herzog after loosing in the election by members of the Knesset and a hug as President Herzog gave back.

Her speech of unity, of bringing together all Israelis and getting them closer to each other despite different points of view, religious beliefs, political ideologies and social differences touched many Israeli hearts, mine included.

Being a bereaved mother who lost two sons in battle, she had a magnetism and charisma that went beyond her grief. We are drawn by her optimism, vitality, and perseverance. She is an inspiring role model. I hope she remains active in the public arena because she radiates what our society needs to bring us closer to each other – warmth, hugs, and empathy.

Isaac Herzog will make us proud. He’s well-suited for the office — personally astute, politically savvy, with excellent English-language skills. His will present Israel’s “good face” to the international community.

Yet, as an ordinary Israeli citizen who sees my society internally riven and bruised, I think Peretz – apolitical, indeed with no ideological baggage whatsoever – would have been more choices as a bridge in the society.

Let’s hope the politicians make an effort to build that bridge among us because we really need it.