Krembo May Save Israeli Politics After All!

A treat for every voter

Twenty-one-year-old Amotz Eyal launches campaign intended to increase voter turnout on Election Day
Daniel Edelson

As polls predict a grim turnout for Israel's Election Day and forecasters announce stormy weather is brewing, many politicians urge the public to get out of the house and vote. But one ex-soldier believes words are not enough, and he is offering additional incentive. Amotz Eyal, a 21-year old from Psagot, has launched a campaign to bolster the voter turnout all over the country, together with the Yehiam Association for values and love of Israel.

The campaign includes a half-a-million text messages that will be sent to citizens calling on them to vote, as well as hundreds of billboards to the same effect and transportation to ballot boxes.

Also, in an unprecedented move, Eyal has enlisted 30 volunteers to travel from city to city and hand each voter a Krembo: An original Israeli treat made of a biscuit covered in cream and a thin layer of chocolate.
Eyal stressed the campaign was non-political. "It doesn't matter which side of the political spectrum you are on, a low voter turnout should scare you," he told Ynet.

"A government chosen by just part of the people is an illegitimate government… People need to understand the importance of voting, so we've decided to give them a symbolic treat. A person who gets a Krembo after putting his ballot in will understand that he has done a good, useful, and important deed."

Eyal said he realizes the treat will not be the sole reason people leave their homes to vote, but he believes it may persuade doubters as to the importance of voting.

"We have the power to influence not just the current elections but also future ones. A person who has performed his democratic right is worthy of respect, especially these days, it's not a trivial matter," he said.

Social activism has been Eyal's pursuit since his release from the army eight months ago. Upon returning his equipment in Tel Hashomer's Induction Base, he embarked on a march all the way to the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem in order to hand him a letter decrying corruption among politicians.

"I care a great deal about what happens in this country and I try to get involved and influence everything I can," he said. When asked why other youths aren't as gung-ho on social activism as he is he said it wasn't due to apathy, but fear.

"These things are important to 21-year olds as well," Eyal said. "I know a lot of people who want to help but are afraid to launch big and complicated projects. I have no fear, and they should stop being afraid and start doing."