In the coming months, the election campaign that opened with great fanfare will hover over our lives. Campaigns will brainwash us. Spin will try to confuse us. Strategists will manage the politicians and determine for them what to say and what to do.
And the media will of course celebrate.
Why do elections preoccupy us so much? There are politicians and the circles around them, for whom it is a question of being or not. There is the media, which is supported by the turbulent politics with an abundance of headlines. And there is the public, which enjoys watching the struggle, as in games or gladiatorial battles in ancient times.
Important, but not the main thing
And there are also those who view the election campaign with concern. They are caring people, with the best interests of the people and the country before their eyes. It is very important to them to have an impact. They are anxious about the possibility that forces with different perceptions will prevail. They hope with all their hearts for the strengthening of representatives who believe in their values, and who aspire to steer the helm in the right directions in their eyes.
But if caring is what drives us, does the election campaign really justify the investment of mental energy on our part, as a public? Is this the arena where the big and important changes can be made?
The answer is not simple. A bad election result can be disastrous. One election brought upon us the tragedy of Oslo. Another election led to the second Camp David Conference, and the bloodbath that followed. Another election brought upon us the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the expulsion of some ten thousand Jews from their homes.
The election results can also have a significant impact on issues of values, education, and shaping the Jewish image of the country.
Therefore, they should not be underestimated or seen as dirty politics. It is absolutely important that every voice is directed to the right channels and has the greatest impact.
And yet, it is a mistake to think that elections are the main arena in which each and every one of us can have an impact. Countless ordinary citizens manage to leave their mark on the reality of life, through personal activity. This is in an association that adds light and kindness. Join in giving charity to organizations that make a positive contribution. And the third is in personal volunteerism.
Reflection of the people
Elections are held every few years. As mentioned, it is certainly very important to vote and have an impact, but caring does not begin and end with voting in elections. Those who care about the situation in Israel try to act all year round.
Someone who whines all year about "the situation," but prefers to sit in his comfortable chair, and only once every few years is willing to cast a ballot - is not really a person who cares. It is more likely to say that he likes the pose of the steam and the marbles.
If it really hurts you – get up and do it even on a weekday.
Ultimately, elections are supposed to reflect the state of the people. The more values the people have, the more connected they are to their roots, and the more spiritually resilient they are, the more they will elect representatives who express these positions.
That is why it is so important to work to instill Jewish values and a connection to Israel's heritage throughout the year, and this is in the hands of each and every one of us.
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