I’m returning to Israeli politics. This time in a new party and in a new role. I’ve been invited to run in the primaries of the Zehut party to compete for a spot in their Knesset list.
However, there is a new and unique twist. The Zehut party has assigned spots on their list that non-Israeli Jews can vote for, for those who are members of Zehut International. This is the first time in the history of the State of Israel that Jews from the Diaspora are given a voice to determine potential Knesset members. Mind you, it’s not a huge say, but it is a start. Zehut is assigning every tenth spot on its list to a Zehut International candidate. Meaning spots 10, 20 and 30 on their list are reserved for candidates voted on by Zehut International members.
Now for any party, especially a new one, there is always the possibility that they will receive fewer seats than hoped for, if any. Realistically, based on the latest polls, it would be incredibly impressive if even one Zehut International candidate makes it into the Knesset. Nonetheless, that is the spot I’m running for.
I would like to ask of you three things:
1. I generally use this email list for my Torah writings and want to keep it that way. I will create a separate list for my political updates. If you want to be on that list, please let me know.
2. Check out Zehut International. If it’s interesting to you, join, and then vote for me in the primaries. Note: Membership in Israeli political parties is fee-based, unlike in the US or other countries. Consequently membership numbers are often low and each vote carries a lot of weight. Because Zehut International is such a new initiative, its membership is just getting started, and members will have a dis-proportionally large impact on the coming election.
3. If you’re interested in helping out with my campaign, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ben-Tzion Spitz
