Did you leave Israel? Do not expect the state to come to you at the ballot box

One of the most discussed topics in the context of the upcoming elections is the voting of Israelis living abroad, including their obligation to arrive here to vote. In the framework of our home discussions, one of my sons argued that the fact that they are not allowed to vote abroad is a mistake, because it distances a large part of them from Israel.

If they were allowed to vote there, they would maintain much more involvement and connection with Israel, and therefore there would also be a greater chance that they would return. Meaning: our interest is to allow them to vote in exile. This is an argument that has a lot of logic in it, but I still do not accept it.

Just like the discussion on the question: do Israelis who have left the country have a moral right to continue to express their opinions about it on social networks, to preach morality to people who did stay here, and in general — to have their cake and eat it too? After all, even on this point, one can argue that it keeps them involved and connected to the country. And this should, in the end, be the interest of all of us. And yet, when I see such preachy posts from those who chose to leave, it drives me crazy. It is their full right, of course. Just as it is my right to be annoyed.

Which is also true for other areas of life. For example, in a documentary project I worked on not long ago, I discovered during the work that one of the professionals brought in by the production company actually lives in a European city. And instinctively, I was disappointed. True, every person is entitled to choose their place of residence. But if I am already providing someone with work, I prefer that it be a person who chose to stay here, even in difficult times.

And even more so, if it turns out that he is also an active reservist. And again, the rationale says that a former Israeli who still works with Israel will maintain more contact with the country, and therefore there is also a better chance that he will decide to return. But this rationale does not convince me.

First, because cold logical considerations often clash with the very concept of nationalism and that very basic feeling called belonging. After all, the very preference for a certain group of people just because they were born or reside in the same place as you clashes with other important values, such as equality. But it is natural and part of human existence.

Second, because Israel is not a country like all other countries. It is a country that exists against so many odds that the only way for it to survive and continue to exist is mutual guarantee. And part of that mutual guarantee is the very physical residence here. Not only for practical reasons, of who will bear the burden — will go to the army, will pay taxes, etc. — but also in the collective feeling of all of us together.

Even in difficult moments, and even when the current government in the country is alien to a large part of us and we oppose it. Once this fabric begins to unravel, and being Israeli becomes a fact with an asterisk ('if we lose the elections we will leave', 'if I get a passport from another country we will leave', etc.) — it could turn into a snowball.

And this connects to the third explanation. A significant part of the Israelis who left the country in recent years did so in the hope that they would return in the future. But only the moment the waters calm down: the government will change, the war will end, the economy will improve, and more. Meanwhile, they will retreat to a quieter and simpler region of the world and will tend to their own affairs.

Yes, I know that relocation is not a trivial matter, and a bed of roses does not await them. And yet, most Israelis — especially those with in-demand professions like medicine or high-tech — will be able to arrange a comfortable life for themselves overseas. And while they establish themselves there, the rest of the Israelis who remained behind will continue to bear the burden here. And in more explicit words — to guard the country for them, until its situation improves in a way that convinces them to return.

There is a very simple word to describe this behavior: selfishness. And yes, I know, for the millionth time, no one is obligated to stay here, and everyone is allowed to move to any point they desire. Just, for heaven's sake, you chose to leave? Fine. Spare us the moralizing. And if it is very important for you to vote in the elections, make the effort and arrive here. There is great hummus here, it is worth it for you.