At-Home with Gila Svirsky

Jerusalem
26 January 2001
Subject: Why I’m Voting for Barak

Friends,

After much soul-searching, I decided to vote for Barak.

I have heard the arguments in favor of a blank vote or boycott, and I have seriously considered them.

After all is said and done, however, I believe that Sharon would be an incredibly evil and violent prime minister, unleashing forces (Avigdor Lieberman - Zeevi - Livnat - Elly Yishai — right-wing extremists) that would be a nightmare for Palestinians, for the left-wing, for women, for gays, and for all who live in this region. With all the faults of Barak, he brings with him imperfect people, but people I trust much more — Yossi Beilin, Shlomo Ben-Ami, Yael Dayan, Avrum Burg, etc.

Yes, Barak was horrible. But the alternative is worse, far, far worse. And a blank vote brings you the nightmare.

Gila Svirsky