Israeli voters who made aliyah from places like the US, the UK, or Canada, and who voted in elections in those countries, will notice a number of differences from their Old Countries. The multiplicity of parties. The fact that here in Israel it’s quite normal to be asked who you’re voting for by a complete stranger. And also, the near-absence of debate about the issues that matter to us all on a daily basis – the economy, health, and education.

The public debate is focused (for good reasons) on security, Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, etc.; and (for unfortunate reasons) on the personal character and integrity of the candidates – the incumbent prime minister above all.

But I can’t be the only parent of young children wondering just when we’re going to see a government that prioritizes education. Brits of a certain age will remember that Tony Blair came to promising that his three priorities as new prime minister would be: “Education. Education. Education.” His argument was compelling. A country with a good education system is not only benefitting the children involved, but the society at large. The economy will benefit from a better educated population. The impact will also ultimately be seen in things like health outcomes and crime statistics.

And let’s be honest, despite the truth of the hasbara line that “Israel’s only natural resources are the brains and talents of its people,” our education system is in dire condition.........

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