High School Election Simulation Draws Top Israeli Politicians

Students at Blich High School in Ramat Gan, a long-standing tradition of mock elections, are voting today (Thursday) in a simulated election. The school has gained a reputation for accurately predicting national election outcomes, famously forecasting the 1977 Likud victory and the 1992 Rabin win. In the previous election, Yesh Atid secured 45% of the vote at Blich, followed by the Likud with 24% and the National Unity party with 12%.

Several prominent political figures have visited the school this week to campaign among the students, who are too young to vote in the upcoming October 27th election. Speakers included Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party; Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset; and Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, are also scheduled to address the students.

The school's decision to host and publicize remarks from Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, sparked controversy, drawing hundreds of angry responses from those who objected to his invitation and the platform given to his views. Blich High School is known for its secular and liberal student body.

In past mock elections, Blich has been a bellwether for national results. In 1969, the mock elections were held the day before the actual national vote. The school's predictions have historically been accurate, adding significance to the student vote.