Questionnaire: How does she do it?

Anastasia Michaeli is particularly active in issues pertaining to improving conditions for women and children.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Anastasia Michaeli 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Anastasia Michaeli 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
What gets you out of bed in the morning? As a mother of eight children, I think the answer is quite clear. I get up early, get the clan going, do my morning exercise, iron clothing and clean the house. Then I listen to the morning news and start my day.
What keeps you up at night? The night is my only opportunity to have some quality time with my family and catch up with my husband. As an MK, you never really leave the office, even when you are at home, but I try to spend as much time as possible with my family.
What’s the most difficult professional challenge you’ve faced so far? The transition from the media to political life was challenging but satisfying.
Even though I was well-known as a host at Channel 9, politics was not part of my professional life. It was not easy to adapt, but I feel privileged to be in a position where I can actually have an influence on people’s lives.
How do you celebrate your achievements?
The real celebration is to continue on to the next challenge. Some moments are satisfying, but I always remember there are more goals to achieve and realize.
If you were prime minister, what is the first thing you would do?
As an MK, “if” is not part of my lexicon. I focus on promoting different issues such as education, family status, women’s status and children’s rights. I do have a long-term vision, but I believe in taking it step by step, and to do thorough and in-depth work.
What Israeli should have a movie made about him?
Israel is a complex and diverse state – as such, it is very difficult to choose one specific person. I do think that we should make a film showing the inspiring variety in our society. The film should be spread and broadcast worldwide, in order to show Israel’s real face.
What would you change about Israelis if you could?
The Israeli people are very special and great, but we would need to work on certain points, especially on accepting one another.
We should be united and not divided. It’s very important that everyone keep his own identity, culture and history, while remaining unified.
iPad, Blackberry or pen and paper?
I’m a big fan of technology! Not many people know that I have master’s degrees in electrical engineering and communications, and I can really say that Outlook Exchange and iPhone applications practically run my life.
If you had to write an advertisement to entice tourists to Israel, what would it say?
Israel is the only country that combines amazingly warm people with historical and religious sites for every person on earth. We are the only country that faces so many challenges, yet leads the world in technology, medicine, art and design.
Everyone could find his own niche here.
What is the most serious problem facing the country?
The country lacks unity. Unfortunately people stand united only when there is a threat to our security. Social gaps, such as the disparity between Orthodox and secular Jews, are our biggest problem, which threatens us from within.
How can it be solved?
Even though there is no such thing as a magic solution, education really is the magic word. I truly believe that a good educational program starting from kindergarten is the foundation of building an equal, healthy and stable society.
As the head of the Lobby for the Promotion of Family Rights, I see it as my mission to lead reform in the preschool system, which will help us achieve mutual respect.
In 20 years, the country will be: We are experiencing difficult times now, but I am an optimist. I am confident that with our inner strengths, we will prevail as a united people. In 20 years, we will provide inspiration to the region with achievements in technology, science research, culture and the arts. I am sure the quality of life in Israel will be the envy of many countries.