Do you support Israel?

I have many friends whose opinions I respect and admire on this post. I will tell you my views, briefly, which may differ from those of many people I care about.

I strongly support Israel's right to exist. I strongly support its right to exist as a Jewish state and homeland. And I strongly support its right to self-defense. I do not necessarily support or agree with the actions of its governments. I do not think all those who criticize Israel are anti-Semitic. But I do question the motives of those who criticize [b]only[/b] Israel without applying the same standards to their own countries and other countries around the world. That, to me, is either anti-Semitic, or close to it.

Israel comprises the historical homeland of the Jewish people. They were expelled from it. Everywhere they settled, in Europe and Asia, they were abused and expelled. Killed off by the Greeks. Killed off by the Romans. Expelled from England in the Middle Ages. Tortured, expelled, and forced to convert during the Inquisition. Subjected to pogroms in Russia. Nearly exterminated during the Holocaust, with the complicit cooperation of the countries occupied by the Nazis. Rejected by even the United States as war refugees during WW2. The creation of Israel was a response to [b]thousands [/b]of years of being viewed as outcasts and enemies.

I am not ignorant or insensitive regarding the struggles of the Palestinians, but this issue is complex as well. If one wishes to criticize Israel for that situation, one should also look to Jordan and surrounding countries and consider their actions regarding the Palestinians following the creation of Israel. Israel has produced many leaders who have worked to resolve this issue. Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated for it. Ehud Barak offered a two-state solution rejected by Palestinian leaders. I believe a solution will require visionary leaders on both sides--two figures of the nature of Gandhi, or Mandela, at the same time. It won't be easy. But it can be done, and the responsibility does not lie [b]solely [/b]on the Israeli side. If the Palestinians continue to embrace Hamas, if they ally themselves with countries and organizations who deny Israel's right to exist, and if they insist on a Palestinian right of return that would mean Israel ceases to exist as a Jewish nation, then there will never be progress.

If you've read this far, thank you. I know it is a challenging and emotional issue. I've shared my views. I will read and listen to the view of others who express them respectfully. But I won't be drawn into conversations that lack that respect. If this post disappears, that will be why. Peace, shalom, and salaam.