Right to Vote Should Be Reserved for Israeli Residents Only
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
An author argues that the right to vote in Israeli elections should be limited to actual residents, not those living abroad who fly in to cast ballots. He shares personal experiences of losing residency rights but retaining voting rights, deeming it unfair. The piece also includes commentary from Rabbi Chaim Navon and Elyashiv Reichner on the election atmosphere and political alliances.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The author advocates for restricting voting rights in Israel to country residents only.
- He criticizes individuals who fly to Israel to vote but live abroad permanently.
- The author experienced losing residency rights while retaining the ability to vote.
- He urges Israeli leftists to learn from historical political alliances.
- The piece references commentary from Rabbi Chaim Navon and Elyashiv Reichner.
The author argues that the right to vote in Israeli elections should be restricted to residents of the country, citing personal experiences and ethical considerations. He observes individuals flying to Israel solely to vote, influencing the nation's future while their lives remain abroad, and then returning to their foreign residences, leaving residents to live with the consequences.
The author recounts his own experience between 2010-2011, where after living abroad for over five years, he lost access to Israeli social services like national insurance and healthcare, yet retained the right to vote. He found this disparity illogical and unfair, questioning why non-residents could influence the lives of those bearing the burden of living in Israel.
He admits to having voted once in 2015 while living abroad, feeling embarrassed by the act of deciding for residents when he was not one himself. He emphasizes that the right to influence should be coupled with the responsibility of living with the outcomes, criticizing the perceived arrogance of non-residents dictating Israeli policy.
The article also touches on broader political commentary, referencing Rabbi Chaim Navon's view of the current election atmosphere as a vote against hatred and madness, and Elyashiv Reichner's analysis of fear campaigns dominating the political discourse. The author urges Israeli leftists to learn from historical events like the 1979 Iranian Revolution, cautioning against alliances that may not lead to a shared future, and calls on Jews to be wary of political partnerships, particularly those involving figures like Mansour Abbas or the Joint List, whom he labels "useful idiots."
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