When our founding fathers established the United States of America to be a democratic society, they wanted to ensure that every person had the opportunity to choose their leaders by voting. And while, sadly, it took a very long time for every citizen, no matter their gender or race, to be granted the right to vote, our democracy can't work properly unless we exercise that right and VOTE!

With two monumental elections taking place within the span of 7 days – Israel (which, by the time you read this, the polls will have closed) and of course here in the US (next Tuesday, Nov. 3), the results will have a lasting impact on society as a whole. Early reports from Israel indicate that Israelis are turning out in record numbers, with many considering this election the most consequential in Israel’s history. It is why, I believe, that so many Israelis who currently live outside of Israel made arrangements to fly back so that they were able to be present and vote.

As I was growing up, and pretty much even to this day, I have never followed another country's election so closely or felt that the outcome could impact my life the way it does right now. And never in my lifetime have so many people been watching so intently to see what the outcome of a foreign nation's election will be. And I am one of them. Yet, I vividly remember a conversation I had several years ago with Dr. Hillel Newman, who, at the time, was the Consul General of Israel.

During this meeting, as Consul General Newman and I were discussing Israel’s political system and where Israelis fall politically, he told me the following: “Jason, you need to realize that currently, due to the prolific growth of the Orthodox community, which has had a significantly higher birth rate over the years, the majority of Israelis are more right-leaning. And while you may not agree with this here in the US, if you value democracy, you need to let us decide for ourselves how we are to govern Israel.”

It was a profound statement that, in the moment, I nodded my head to, especially since I am not an Israeli citizen and I have never lived in Israel. Unfortunately, I have continued to hear similar remarks from other Israeli officials who, in essence, have said that outside perspectives, including the Jewish community in the diaspora, will not influence Israel. This continues to be extremely disheartening since, as we have witnessed and experienced over the last several years, what happens in Israel, and by Israel, directly impacts our lives here in the US.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe Israelis like us here in the US should elect the leaders they feel are more aligned with their values, principles, and what they care the most about since they are responsible for all aspects of Israeli society. I wish Israeli leaders incorporated into their thinking the impact their decisions have on the rest of the Jewish world. This is the same philosophy I wish our leaders here in the US also considered.

One final thing to keep in mind… once the polls in Israel close and the election results are known, we may not know who the next leaders will be until a coalition government is formed, and that will almost certainly take several more weeks. So, we will need to wait and be patient to see what the true outcome will be.

In the meantime, remember to vote on (or prior to) November 3, since this election is one where our voice can and will be heard.