Californian Actress Crowdfunds Trip to Israel to Vote

Yuval Ritsch, a 29-year-old actress and creator living in California, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance a same-day trip to Israel to cast her vote in the upcoming elections. Ritsch, who moved to California with her partner when he accepted a job in AI Safety in Berkeley, was concerned about missing the election due to the high cost of flights. After discovering that the "Fly & Vote" initiative only provided information, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Ritsch devised a plan to fly to Israel on October 27, vote, and immediately fly back the same night, traveling without luggage. She named this endeavor "Hitched and Flew" and turned to the Give Back crowdfunding platform. The campaign aims to raise funds for the flight, with any remaining money to be donated to the Make a Wish foundation. Ritsch has already booked her flight, scheduled to land on the morning of October 27 and depart early on October 28.

She acknowledged the unusual nature of her plan and the criticism she has faced online, including accusations of not having the right to vote since moving abroad and assumptions about her political leanings. Ritsch countered these remarks by stating she was in Israel during the recent war, plans to return, and is not living a life of luxury, currently residing in temporary housing with roommates and facing financial instability. The crowdfunding campaign has successfully raised 8,900 shekels, with some significant anonymous donations.

Ritsch expressed her belief that every vote counts and hopes her journey will inspire others to exercise their right to vote. She emphasized that Israel remains her home, regardless of her temporary residence abroad, and encouraged people to voice their desires, citing her own experience as an example of how an idea can materialize.