If anyone asks me who I would vote for if I was in Israel on the 10th of February, they would be surprised to hear my response. Yes I want Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government and I believe he will. But ultimately, there are values that I would like to see spread in Israel that could not necessarily be advanced by a large Likud Party.
The party I would vote for is now called the Jewish Home the new National Religious Party. In the photo, you can see the slip of paper that represents their party when you go and vote. It will have the letter Bet, the second letter of the alphabet.
Those who know me would say that I am not a religious person. However, I take pride in being Jewish and would like to see greater education when it comes to the religion. It is part of our heritage even if some people practice less than others. I am not a good practitioner of Judaism but I take great pride in the history, traditions and Judaism's link to the State of Israel. I have admiration for orthodox people and would love to strengthen those religious Jews who have no qualms with me.
Case in point, the right of the Jews to settle in Israel is biblically linked as the first Jews built a kingdom there during that time.
The National Religious Party (or whatever they go by these days) understands that and works to advance that. Their interest is national unity between secular and orthodox alike. Although they would like all food in Israel to be kosher and have no businesses operate on Shabbat, they are not for the creation of a theocratic state. This puts them in sharp contrast with the ultra-orthodox parties (Shas and United Torah Judaism). This was most notably presented in their ability to find co-operation with the ultra-secular Shinui Party. On the Palestinian issue, they are willing to give up land to the Palestinians but not land of heritage value to the Jews. They supported the 2003 Roadmap to Peace but placed conditions on the Palestinians to demonstrate a departure from terrorism.
Their principles are called "Ahavat Yisrael" (love of Israel). They believe that religious observance can only be spread by acting as role models for others through their daily lives. One of the greatest things about the party is that in the entire history of their existence, not a single member they elected was indicted on corruption. That is great leadership by example!
The party is the only orthodox party that runs women in realistic spots on their list. In the past, they did elected female MKs by mustering enough support. Shas and UTJ don't have a single woman on their lists.
The party runs yeshivos (religious schools) and a youth movement (Bnei Akiva). They were the proponents of religious high schools in Israel. Schools that teach Torah in addition to all the essential subjects. They stress that all yeshiva students go to the army and they never curse the country.
I also have a family connection to this party. My grandfather that I never knew (he died before I was born) was an active supporter and my uncle supports them unless Likud is in a fight for top spot. My grandfather z"l was observant and I take pride in supporting the party in his memory.
These are people I would like to elevate as their devotion to the state is unparalleled. It is rooted in their faith and they generate a greater awareness of Jewish heritage and traditions without being "in your face" about it. I welcome that. It certainly can't hurt anyone.
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