Hot dogs, hamburgers and the US election in Tel Aviv

From a non-scientific survey conducted by this reporter, the Dan Panorama atmosphere did not appear to reflect divisive American politics - most attendees appeared to support Hillary Clinton.

By ELIYAHU KAMISHER
US Embassy's election party held Tuesday night at the Dan Panorma Hotel in Tel Aviv (photo credit: ELIYAHU KAMISHER)
US Embassy's election party held Tuesday night at the Dan Panorma Hotel in Tel Aviv
(photo credit: ELIYAHU KAMISHER)
US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro spoke at the US Embassy elections party held Tuesday night to early Wednesday morning as Americans and Israelis eagerly awaited the answer to the question that can be heard in falafal shacks, supermarkets, and taxi cabs throughout Israel - who will be the next US president?
From a non-scientific survey conducted by this reporter, the Dan Panorama atmosphere did not appear to reflect divisive American politics  -  most attendees appeared to support Hillary Clinton and believed she will break the glass ceiling.
Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Shapiro said that he believes US-Israel relations would remain strong regardless of who will reach1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. “In terms of US-Israel relations the bond is so deep and so strong with shared values and democracy I believe that what we have will continue many years into the future,” Shapiro said among hot dogs, hamburgers, and hundreds of US flags hanging from the ceiling of Tel Aviv Dan Panorama Hotel.
“Israelis feel effected [by this election],” Shapiro said in his address to the election party, “Israelis take friendly interest as Americans take interest in Israeli elections - also friendly.”
Zionist Union MK Merav Michaeli spoke to the Post saying that Hillary Clinton as president would bring historic change for the cause of women empowerment. “We can’t be what we can’t see. If [Clinton wins the presidency] it means that women can be leaders, it means that the world is changing and will change even more and faster,” Michaeli said.
Mutasim Ali, the first Sudanese asylum seeker to be granted refugee status in Israel said the American elections play a particular importance for him regarding the US’s role in Sudanese politics. “Particularly for someone like me, I’m really concerned because America plays a huge role when it comes to Darfur,” Ali said.
Nevertheless, Ali added that he was impressed with the US elections. “There are no free elections [in Sudan],” Ali said, “Free elections, to see them debating is super interesting, really amazing and inspiring.”
Dan Shapiro said that US citizens have to move forward after a divisive election. “We must accept the results, we have to heal,” he said.