Its About Us Because its About You

MK Michal Woldiger – you are simply amazing! Earlier today I wrote in my family WhatsApp group that there are few people in the world I respect more than Michal Woldiger.

I got to know you during the primaries for the Religious Zionist party and immediately saw that you were not the regular politician. Something drove you that was different from the others. Today you invited me and 28 other heads of organizations that work in the mental health arena to the Knesset for an event billed as “Recognition and Appreciation” for us, the organizations. You made it all about us. Whenever anyone tried to thank you, you deflected – “this is about you,” you said. You knew each one of us, called us up by name. It was clear you knew not just who we are but what makes us tick. Whenever we come to see you in your Knesset office, you listen attentively. You take notes. Whenever we ask you to come speak to our rabbis, your response is always “when and where?”

This isn’t how politics usually works. Politicians often make it about themselves. They go for the big issues, the headlines. You have made mental health your life’s work – and you do most of that work far from the limelight. And that’s no accident. When Betzalel spoke today, he shared that when he came to your house to convince you to go into politics, you initially refused because you believed your place was in the world of Amutot. Only when you were convinced that you could effect greater change in the Knesset than in the private sphere did you agree. Chazal have a phrase for people like you: כל הבורח מן הכבוד – הכבוד רודף אחריו.

Michal, today you made it about us. But we all know the truth: it’s only about us because it’s about you. I’m sure I speak on behalf of all the organizations when I say – thank you. It’s an honor to work with you. ירבו כמותך בישראל.