Why I, A Zionist, Vote Meretz

Many people in the past few weeks have told me – “you’re not a Zionist!” “you’re a Jew hater!” “go to Palestine!” I’ve heard it all, seriously. And I’ve laughed about it. Why have I laughed? These are the people that know nothing about Zionism, nothing about Israeli Politics, and definitely nothing about Meretz.

So here is a little bit about Meretz- Meretz is a party that seeks peace. Meretz offers a new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meretz, like most of Israeli citizens (as can be seen from last weeks protest in Rabin Square where over 80,000 people came to show how anti-the current regime they actually are), are tired of the right wing controlling Israel for the past 15 years and not helping Israel reach a peace agreement or a better future. Meretz calls for an agreement based on the Arab Peace Initiative, meaning a Palestinian state would be created within the 1967-lines and mutally agreed land swaps. They also support Jerusalem as a two capitals for two states. Most importantly, Meretz plans to stop settlement construction including in the blocs and East Jerusalem as they violate international law. Meretz also promote gay marriage, they want a “Jewish and democratic state,” buses on Shabbat, and overall they promote democratic values that we all can value from!

Now you’re asking yourself- why don’t you just vote Herzog? Isn’t the most important thing to you to kick Bibi out? So yes. The most important goal in these elections is to kick Bibi out. I have this terrible nightmare I’d like to share with you. I dream that I’ll wake up on March 18th and find Bibi my Prime Minister again. The sad truth, is that with Herzog, that’s a possibility. I’m afraid. Herzog has not come out and said – ‘I will not sit with Bibi.’ Actually on that note, no party other than Meretz has come out and said they will not sit with Bibi. So when I’ll wake up from my nightmare, and it will be real- Herzog and Bibi will sit together, at least my vote didn’t go to a party who couldn’t have enough courage to say they will not sit with Bibi. At least my vote went to a party who told me the truth, was never afraid of saying it loud and clear, and who refused by any means necessary to sit with the man who has made my life beyond difficult in Israel, and ruined our foreign relations. Additionally, my biggest fear is that Herzog won’t have someone to sit with and this will force him to sit with the Likud. Strengthening Meretz, means strengthening a new coalition. Strengthening Meretz, helps Herzog build a new coalition.

Not as radical as you thought right? Meretz agenda matches mine. Meretz want peace. As I believe most of society want. We all want to live quietly, raise our children without sending them to war at the age of 18, and hopefully make it to an old enough age so we can go play bingo with our friends and take Zumba at the country club. Meretz does not plan on giving up on Israel! Israel is my home just like its yours. This is our home and we have no where to go! I love Israel and no one will take her away from me. As Ilan Gilon says “I love the land of Israel more than you! You know why? I’m willing to settle for only a part of her and you’re not.” 

I plan on voting Meretz because this is my home. I want to live here, raise my family here, continue to serve in reserve forces, wake up every morning and remember why I love this country. I don’t plan on going anywhere. But you Mr. Bibi, you need to go. And the only way for that to happen- is with Meretz.