Beyond Elections: Israel Needs a Vision for Its Future

As Israeli elections approach, the public discourse is dominated by questions of political alliances, vote counts, and coalition formations. However, the article argues that these are secondary to a more fundamental question: what kind of country do Israelis want to build?

True leadership, the author contends, requires more than charisma or political skill. It demands integrity, credibility, and a clear vision for the nation's future. Citing Professor Rachel Elior, the piece emphasizes that leaders must articulate the gap between the desired state and the current reality, set priorities based on values, and work towards bridging that divide.

The article criticizes the tendency to view post-election change solely as a return to a pre-crisis 'normal.' It asserts that many of Israel's current challenges are long-standing and were not solely created in recent years. Therefore, the next government must go beyond merely restoring institutions and instead focus on improving them and addressing systemic issues.

This requires tackling complex questions about strengthening democracy, enshrining equality and fundamental rights, rebuilding public service, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility in a divided society. The author suggests that the focus should shift from merely preventing negative outcomes to actively building a desired future.

The piece concludes by calling for a leadership that offers not just a change of government, but a change of direction. It highlights the growing civic engagement seen in recent years as a source of hope, emphasizing that citizens must actively participate in shaping the nation's identity and future, moving from a struggle against to a struggle for a better Israel.