Israelis Abroad Vote, Defending Their Right to Influence
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israelis living abroad, including Shiri Sadeh from Germany, Yitzhak Fliegelman from Canada, Hani Weitzman from Brazil, and Limor Ofer from the US, have returned to vote in upcoming elections. They defend their right to participate, citing their continued connection to Israel and desire for its future security and well-being. Voters expressed varied political leanings, with some supporting Benjamin Netanyahu and others seeking change, while all acknowledged criticism of their decision to vote from overseas.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israelis living abroad traveled to vote, asserting their right to influence the country's future.
- Shiri Sadeh from Germany expressed disappointment with the government's post-October 7th conduct.
- Yitzhak Fliegelman from Canada believes Israel needs an experienced leader like Netanyahu.
- Hani Weitzman from Brazil feels Israel is on a "Flydubai flight" due to perceived disconnect.
- Limor Ofer from the US sees voting as a way to "save" Israel, her "only home."
- Voters abroad addressed criticism, emphasizing their continued connection and rights as citizens.
Several Israelis living abroad have traveled to vote in the upcoming elections, asserting their right to influence the country's future despite residing overseas. Shiri Sadeh, a musician and hi-tech worker living in Munich for the past two years, expressed disappointment with the government's conduct since October 7th. She hopes her vote will contribute to establishing an investigative committee and a better future for Israel, emphasizing her strong connection to the country regardless of her geographical location. Sadeh is undecided on her vote, weighing options between parties and lamenting her previous vote for Benny Gantz, which she felt did not bring the desired change.
Yitzhak Fliegelman, who has lived in Canada for a decade with his family, returned to vote, deeming it critical. A self-proclaimed right-wing supporter, he believes Israel needs a strong, experienced leader like Benjamin Netanyahu, especially after October 7th. He expressed concern about a left-wing government, fearing it would lead to negative consequences for Israel. Fliegelman defended the right of citizens living abroad to vote, noting that Israel is unique in not allowing non-resident citizens to vote, unlike other countries where foreign residents can vote.
Hani Weitzman, who left Israel 12 years ago for Brazil, also returned to cast her ballot. She feels a deep connection to Israel, stating "Israel has not left me." Weitzman believes the Israeli prime minister also leads global Jewish communities and that this role has become particularly significant after October 7th. She plans to vote for the "Democrats" and expressed dismay that after recent events, some Israelis still seem to be on a "Flydubai flight," implying a disconnect from reality. She also addressed criticism, stating that despite living abroad, she pays taxes, has family in Israel, and feels Israeli.
Limor Ofer traveled from New Jersey, where she has lived for 20 years, to vote, as she does in every election. She feels anxious about the country's fate and sees voting as a way to "save" Israel, her "only home." While undecided, she plans to vote for a "change bloc." Ofer acknowledged the criticism directed at Israelis abroad who vote but disagreed, asserting her right as a citizen to exercise her voting privilege, as Israel remains her only home.
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