On election day, Palestinians in East Jerusalem aren’t worrying about who will be the next prime minister — they are too busy trying to protect their homes.

A home demolition in East Jerusalem. (photo: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org)

I decided to start my day, Election Day, at the Western Wall. With all due respect to the ballot box, the Wall is the real thing when it comes to depositing small pieces of paper.

The entire plaza was surprisingly empty. Aside from tourists there were very few worshipers. Three ultra-Orthodox girls giggled behind a table near the entrance, writing something on small pieces of paper. With a smile, I ask them if their notes are instead of actual ballots. “Leave us alone,” one of them says. “Why, will Bibi find me a husband and money?”

The guards walking around the Western Wall and patrolling the perimeter aren’t interested in the elections either. “We’ve had a few politicians come down here throughout the week, but today is quiet. It’s better that way.”