US Election: What if Israel could vote?
JERUSALEM — As part of GlobalPost's project to interview 100 people in 20 locations around the world about the 2012 US election, we asked Israelis:
If you could vote in the United States, whom would you vote for and why?
Will the 2012 US election affect your country and how?
Has your opinion of the US improved or worsened since President Barack Obama took office in 2008?
What's the most important thing the next US president should do?
- Country: Israel
- Name: Sergei Ivasenko
- Occupation: Electronic engineer
- Age: 31
- I would vote for: Romney
The election's impact: "It has a huge effect on Israel if the US is not with us. The US has to support us on the question of peace with our enemies."
My view: "Maybe a bit worse, but we know only the government, not the people."
Top priority: "In every summit, in every speech, not to be against us. "
- Country: Isreal
- Name: Avraham Barzilai
- Occupation: Primary school teacher
- Age: 53
- I would vote for: Romney
My view: "Really, just that [Obama's] been a bit harsh with us. He's ingratiated himself with the Arabs and we've paid the price."
Top Priority: "Not to bother us, but let the people of Israel live on their land."
- Country: Israel
- Name: Zvi Wachsmann
- Occupation: Retired pastry chef
- Age: 72
- I would vote for: Obama
The election's impact: "We are the only ones they can count on in this region, and they know that. The Americans are good businessmen above all."
My view: "Not at all. It’s the same. No changes."
Top priority: "To move the American embassy to Jerusalem and recognize the capital of Israel."
- Country: Isreal
- Name: Yanky Behar
- Occupation: Bar manager
- Age: 49
- I would vote for: Obama
The election's impact: "The American decision-making process is not like most Israelis think it is. American decisions are based only on American interests and they are basically friends of Israel, so it doesn't really matter much."
My view: "Not of US citizens, but on the whole, I think things have improved for the middle class. As a non-citizen I can't see the differences, but basically, I think things have Improved. I'm happy for them."
Top priority: "For the world? To solve the Iranian problem. For the US: to keep up the reform in health care, health insurance for all. I'm always shocked that in the most enlightened nation on earth, people have to beg for medical care. "
- Country: Isreal
- Name: Alam Diab
- Occupation: Lawyer
- Age: 28
- I would vote for: Obama
The election's impact: "Directly. In every possible way. "
My view: "It has improved. The world sees the US as more human, not not as as superior among nations. He has touched people. "
Top priority: "Other than global peace? Actually, I think to care for the green planet."
GlobalPost series: See what the world thinks about election 2012
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