Shut-Down Nation

"Israeli Democracy" Tel Aviv Beach, Tel Aviv, Israel, February 25, 2023 / Adar 4, 5783 (Sari Ellen)

“Democracy?” said the Likud Customer Service Rep. “You don’t need it.”

“But Israel’s a Parliamentary Democracy—.”

“Democracy, shlock-ocracy. Here, try on radical fringe politics, it’s the best.”

“You’re disrespecting our values: equal rights, morality, justice, compassion—”

“Radical fringe politics will look great on you.”

“Aval ani lo rotzah!”

“I can tell from your accent you’re an olah. Where from? Miami?”

“I’ve lived here for years—.”

“Yeah, like I said, you’re an olah. Stop talking Hebrew. Talk English.”

“Start-Up Nation’s gonna become Shut-Down Nation. Who’s gonna pay taxes and defend the nation in wars if you disenfranchise people?”

“We’re only disenfranchising you. What’s the problem?”

About the Author

Sari Ellen's writing appears in the New York Times, Beloit Fiction Journal, Blue Lake Review, So It Goes, Satirist, Daily Freier, Ilanot Review, Huffpo Canada and in other webzines and journals. The first chapter of her (not yet published) novel is in the November 2020 "Woven Tale Press."