February 10, 2009 

 Although I missed an auspicious election in America this year (even though 70 of us still crowded around the TV half way across the world to watch the important inauguration), I am fortunate to be in Israel for her election of a new Prime Minister. I went to a rally hosted specifically for English speakers where Bibi Netanyahu-the candidate running for the Likud Party which is known to be more right wing-spoke of his policies and goals for Israel. No unilateral withdrawals that will turn territory over to terrorists was just one of his policies regarding Gaza.

Prior to elections there was some tension in the air with elections coming up- I think everyone was hoping to continue with the respite of war that we have unfortunately become too accustomed to in the past several days. With elections coming up though, everyone living in this surrounding area couldn’t help but think of just how much longer it will be until fear is again instilled in daily life. 

 Luckily, today, Tuesday, was the national holiday here for election voting and although every business was closed and everyone was roaming the streets with the optimism of a new vote casted, there was pure quiet in terms of violence. I decided to volunteer today with several friends for the Likud campaign by visiting the campaign’s central office where we were given Likud hats and T-shirts in order for us to hand out English pamphlets on the streets to encourage those who hadn’t voted yet to do so. It was amazing to feel as though I was taking part in this year’s Israeli election and by doing so, helping to change history.