A taste of politics

"Next Generation's Government" contest-winning teens present bills in cabinet meeting.

By LAHAV HARKOV
PM with 5 winners of ‘Next Generation’s Government’ contest (photo credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO)
PM with 5 winners of ‘Next Generation’s Government’ contest
(photo credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO)
Five teenagers attended Sunday’s cabinet meeting, after winning a competition on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Facebook wall.
In late February, marking three years since the government was elected, Netanyahu uploaded a video to YouTube calling for teens to participate in the “Next Generation’s Government” contest. The rules were posted on the prime minister’s Facebook page: Participants aged 13-18 can suggest bills and decisions that the government should approve.
Over 1,000 teens suggested legislation. A committee, led by Prime Minister’s Office communications director Liran Dan, chose the winners based on the bills’ originality, potential contribution to the public and practicability.
The winners, who presented their ideas to the ministers, suggested legislation including mandatory voting in national elections and increasing the punishment for torturing animals.
Another bill proposed limiting use of cellular phones on public transportation, and one suggested that “life skills” be a mandatory class for all high school students.
Hila Osobaski of Givatayim turned 17 on Sunday, and said the opportunity to present her initiative requiring recycling bins in every school was a great birthday gift.