Bialik High School Mock Election Predicts Yair Lapid Victory

Bialik High School in Ramat Gan held its traditional mock election exercise on Thursday, September 17, 2026, simulating a national election as part of its civics curriculum. Over the past month, students heard from representatives of various political parties, culminating in a day of political discourse and a school-wide vote.

The mock election, a long-standing tradition at the school dating back to 1977 when students accurately predicted a major political shift, aims to provide students with firsthand experience of the democratic process, expose them to diverse viewpoints, and encourage civic engagement among youth.

Results from the simulated election, based on a sample of 11th and 12th graders, showed "Yashar" (presumably a placeholder for a party) receiving 32.2% of the vote, followed by "B'Yachad" with 22.4%, and the Likud party with 15.5%. Other parties included Otzma Yehudit (9.4%), HaDemokratim (7.1%), Yisrael Beiteinu (4.8%), Amcha Yisrael (3.6%), HaMiluimnikim VeHaKalkalit (2.8%), HaTzionut HaDatit (1.6%), Ra'am (0.4%), and Blue and White (0.2%).

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama Hacohen emphasized the importance of experiential education in democracy, stating that the Bialik exercise exemplifies democratic values, pluralism, and civic involvement. Hila Romesh, principal of Bialik High School, added that the exercise is the culmination of a month-long educational process designed to foster independent, critical, and responsible thinking, promoting tolerance and respectful discourse, especially in a polarized public sphere.

Channel 14 presenter Eter Zamir sarcastically commented on the results on social media, implying that winning a mock election at Bialik signifies little in the real political arena.