Ahead of Israel’s Elections

My dear friends, WIZO women,

Usually, as the Tishrei holidays draw to a close, we look forward to returning to the familiar rhythm of everyday life.

This year, however, after the holidays and following the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, Israel will enter anything but an ordinary period. General elections will be held at the end of October.

As happens in almost every election campaign, many are already describing these elections as “fateful” for the future of the State of Israel. That sense of historic importance helps explain the intensity of the emotions surrounding every headline, every statement, and every political development.

The struggle between political camps is no longer experienced only as a debate over ideology. For many, it has become a deeply emotional struggle over identity, belonging, and the character of the country we all love.

At WIZO, as you know, we do not position ourselves within Israel’s political blocs or party map. Instead, we remain focused on what unites us: our shared love for the country and the social responsibility we have chosen to carry.

That approach has served WIZO throughout its history.

WIZO women have always come from across the political spectrum. Even two prominent WIZO leaders who were known as the wives of senior political figures, Vera Weizmann and Michal Modai, came from opposing political traditions. And when WIZO sent a representative to the Knesset, her work focused on advancing gender equality legislation while cooperating with members from across the parliamentary spectrum.

Yet our decision not to align ourselves politically has never meant remaining silent about the things in which we believe.

We consistently raise our voice for the advancement of women in every sphere of life, for education and especially early childhood education, for the future of the so-called “pink-collar” professions, and for strengthening the culture of volunteering in Israel.

Alongside all of these, there is another message that perhaps attracts less media attention, but is no less central to us: the unity of our people.

Even during an election campaign, even in the face of profound disagreements, and even when every issue feels historically urgent, we must remember that the day after the election we will still live together, defend this country together, and continue building it together.

One political camp does not want what is good while another wants what is bad. Half the country is not wise while the other half is foolish. And not everyone who thinks differently from us is a traitor, reckless, or ignorant.

There is no place for reducing people to insulting labels because of their political views, nor for writing off entire parts of the public.

Democracy means a plurality of opinions, and that is a strength. But when differences in thought become a call for division and hatred, the democratic system that is meant to protect us can instead become a source of danger to our shared society.

When I look at what is happening in Israel today, I am concerned by the extremism and hostility that can also be found within mainstream political movements, including parties that have traditionally seen national responsibility and statesmanship as central to their identity.

When it becomes difficult to build coalitions around values and policy, political fringes can gain disproportionate influence. And without a genuine ability to speak across differences, we risk finding ourselves after the election drawn once again into repeated rounds of elections, political paralysis, and damage to the functioning of the public sector.
This simple truth is too easily forgotten when we are swept into bitter internal rivalries.

Whatever the election results may be, those chosen to lead the country will be people who love Israel, and their success will be the success of all of us.

That is something we must remember and remind others of, as an apolitical organization that exists for the sake of the State of Israel and acts out of a profound love for it.

I wish all of us a swift return to routine, an election period as calm as possible, and, when it is over, a reality of cooperation, mutual responsibility, and unity.

With deep thanks and appreciation to all of you,

Anita Friedman
World WIZO Chairperson