Israelis living abroad return to vote

Whether it's studying in Berlin or backpacking across South America, some Israelis are changing their plans so to perform their civic duty

Ynet reporters|Published: 01.20.13 , 12:03

There are those who prefer to spend Election Day out of the country, but two days before Tuesday's general election, it turns out that there are many Israelis that are willing to go the extra mile to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Despite the fact that they are currently out of the country, some Israelis are making the effort and returning especially to have their voice heard.

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Tomer Shenhar, 26, was born in Haifa, used to reside in Tel Aviv and is currently studying physics in Berlin. He returned to Israel during the days of the social protest, and now once again to vote.

"Since the protest, I have become a social activist," he explains. "My moving away made me more involved than I was before. It is important for me."

He plans to vote for Labor "because I feel there is a real chance for substantial change." Tomer will return to Germany on Saturday.

Itai Gefen, 27, arrived from New York – where he studies international relations – just to vote. According to him, "It is true that I am only one voce, but it is important for me to be true to myself and know I did everything in my power to better the situation."

Itamar Repel, 24-years-old, cut his post-army South America backpacking trip short by returning to Israel this weekend, also, specifically to take advantage of his democratic right.

"It is important for me to take part in what is going on here because I am a Zionist," he said, but refused to say whom he is planning on voting for, but admitted he was leaning right.

Yedioth Ahronot reporters contributed to this report.