Secular Journalist Explains Her Vote for Ultra-Orthodox Party
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
A secular Tel Aviv journalist details her reasons for voting for the ultra-Orthodox 'Gimmel' party in the 1996 elections. She felt the party offered a sense of security and commitment to the nation beyond political games. Now, she believes many Israelis are returning to their Jewish roots, finding strength and value in their heritage after seeking external validation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A secular journalist voted for the ultra-Orthodox 'Gimmel' party in the 1996 Israeli elections.
- She felt the party offered a sense of security and commitment to the nation.
- Her journalistic work exposed her to the human side of politicians across parties.
- She now views her vote through the lens of the 'Hero's Journey' concept.
- She believes many Israelis are now re-evaluating and embracing their Jewish heritage.
A secular journalist from Tel Aviv has explained her decision to vote for an ultra-Orthodox party, a choice that has drawn significant public curiosity. She recounts casting her ballot for the 'Gimmel' party in the 1996 elections while living in Tel Aviv as a young mother. At the time, her husband voted for Tommy Lapid, and she felt she was likely the only one voting for 'Gimmel'.
Her journalistic work at the time involved frequent visits to the Knesset, where she gathered material for human-interest columns. She observed the interactions and conversations of Knesset members, noting that despite their different political affiliations, they were all fundamentally human. She felt that the 'Gimmel' party, even then, represented a sense of security and a commitment to the nation that transcended typical political maneuvering.
Reflecting on her choice, she suggests that her vote was rooted in a feeling that this party, unlike others, would safeguard something precious within the nation, which she later understood as faith. She perceived an added layer of sanctity and support in their approach, distinct from the political games played by other parties.
She further elaborates on this by referencing Joseph Campbell's concept of the "Hero's Journey." This framework describes the universal human experience of leaving one's familiar origins, embarking on a quest, and eventually returning home with newfound wisdom. She posits that many Israelis, after years of seeking to emulate secular Western cultures due to historical insecurities, are now courageously re-evaluating their Jewish heritage. They are realizing that their roots offer a stable and valuable foundation, and that true change can be achieved by strengthening their own communities.