Then I wouldn't hesitate to go and live there.

Isaac, your excuses do not cover the fact that you are a classic yored. I came from San Francisco 30 years ago and don't regret it, despite a tougher more frustrating life here. You stayed in Canada throughout the years of the Kadima government. Your open letter lacks credibility, and only plays into the hands of this crappy government.

Isaac: I just returned from vacation in your beautiful city of Vancouver. Having previously moved to Israel from North America with my family it was indeed a pleasure to experience the calm serenity of Canada. However, I think you miss the point. The reason to live in Israel is to help build the country, to improve it by participating in it's democratic institutions and not by running away! Israel was not founded as a vacation spot and unfortunately is not located next to nice calm neighbors like the US and Canada. But as the American border guard said to us when crossing into the US - Israel is the best (he said only) friend the US and Canada can rely on regardless of the fickleness of other countries politics and aliances. I think that makes Israel a very special place to live!

Until you come home and positively contribute her to your country and focus on whats right and deal with the challenges-do us a favor stay there in your present state you are a liability ..hopefully you will rethink you stance

Though I share your opinion of Bibi in many ways ( not in all!), instead of cowardly keep abroad and lament from a secure chair in front of the TV, ypu shoud ommediately come back and try to fight for your visions. If you want to change something, this can't be done by just sitting and critizising. Pull up your sleeves and work for Israel!

I hope you have not joined the Canadian Protestant Church meanwhile!

First of all, I have a question: your name is Isaac, but was it once Yitzchak? Secondly, if it won't bother you that your descendants won't be Jewish, then stay where you are. I made aliyah years ago, and all of my children and grandchildren are Jewish. This isn't so for my friends who stayed in the Galut.

It's just one man, who cares what he says. Then again, I'd rather be in Israel than in a city, like Vancouver, where its residets run wild and riot over a hockey game.

Isaac has a warped sense of Israel. I made aliyah four years ago, leaving a very comfortable living on the East Coast. Living in Israel is amazing, and I could not imagine going back. Are there problems - yes, of course. But anyone who thinks there are no problems in Canada or the U.S. is looking at the world through rose colored glasses (except of course when it comes to Israel).

Cuse expect mainly Jewish culture and events I don't see much happening here. Where are music artists from around the world? Like indies and underground artists? Expect Madonna and Paul mc cartney is there anybody Israel would promote here? And out of kohav nolad, is there anything better Israelis like?

It's you who is out of touch!

The taxes are too high and Israel's got a lot of other problems. I am not Netanyahu fan, but I believe that in order to change something, you must at least try. The easiest thing to do is to leave and hope for a better life somewhere else aroung the globe, but then - what change will it make?

and I doubt he would have had a problem staying there. He chose to come home, a home he is proud of, to make the changes he feels are necessary, from within. I think mr Shabtay's arguments are hollow when addressed to Bibi Netanyahu.

Mr.Shabtay,do you realize that you are living in the most expensive city in canada?I live in Toronto and can't wait to go back in the next three months.If you're so worried about Israeli politics why don't you go back and change the system where all your family continuously keep voting for the one party that has to keep the taxes high in order to provide for the LAZY people in her coalition.

And Canada's tax rate is what Isaac? You should know that in many provinces it is over 50%! And what do Canadians get? A two tiered health system with waits of months for crucial treatment? Crumbling infrastructure, and a province which is totally xenophobic (Quebec) that damages the rest of the country? You are a sadly misinformed immigrant.

Why do we have to choose between quality of life and freedom? Yes, Israel is a haven for Jews. Cowing down to the religious extremists should not be a prerequisite for that. They are destroying the country. I agree with Shabtay.

Were you there in June 2011 during the Vancouver riots? It must have been such a proud moment for residents of the 'best city in the world'.

Believe me, you are paying more than 50% living in the diaspora. You will see it more when "your time will come".

what do you need all that so called culture for? go to NYC if you need that big mix of garbage, the garbage that creates non stop junk parades and shootings. In israel its safe more so than in ny, open the nypost or whatever newspaper in ny, non stop shootings and nonsense, last week some guy shot people in front of the empire state, but hey there is culture right around the corner. Israel for a jew is the very best place right now, too bad many talk about it as if nothing changed in the past 10 years, god bless israel

As read your opinion piece I am at conflict with myself. On the one hand you make valid important points. On the other I hear a "cry baby" is seeping out of your message. I too am an Israeli living abroad, I travel to Israel a few times a year and also have difficulty going to the airport when it's time leave. If only I could find work there I would be back in a minute. Those who say "change the system" I wonder - if they have battled with Israel's notorious bureaucracy. Well maybe they have and still they remain in Israel. I take my hat off to them. Also I must say I believe the country has come a long way in various areas. consumer affairs, dealing with complaints - yes it's no perfect place and has a long way to go. Isaac you are to some degree right and wrong, Here in florida things are not perfect either - high very high unemployment - and other social issues (and I am not socialist ). All this to say is hurts to read your relevant opinion piece and it shouldn't be ignored. I know many Israelis who say they have an interest in returning to Israel. Who knows it could all be talk. Isaac good luck to you Sir and please try not overly put down the entire nation, Oh yes I forgot your grievance is mainly with Mr. Netanyahu but in the process Israel is the bad guy.

The Pagan, Atheist Leftist forces continue to attack Israel. True Jews know the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob-the Creator of the Heavens and Universe-the GOD of the Bible. They are loyal to Israel. Those who attack Israel's government are also attacking Israel.

I spent the past couple of years thinking about making 3aliyah. I'm 32 and single, with three good and meaningful masters degrees, and about to earn a J.D./LL.D. However, I will NOT go to what Israel has become or, rather, has been allowed to turn into. It's on a fast-track to becoming a Jewish Iran or Saudi Arabia. And yes, it's Netanyahu's fault. He stands for nothing, we all know that. But he has allowed the most odious elements on the Israeli political scene to run the country lest he lose their support and, with it, his position. So, Netanyahu, Lieberman, Yishai et al.: Keep your settlements, disregard for the rule of law, shabat parking lots, segregated buses and sidewalks. Bow and kiss the ring of ayatollah Yosef. Prevent people from marrying whom they like. I will take my talents, skills and considerable wealth elsewhere.

Dear Isaac, I'm not sure that you know the origin of your name. Of course you should stay where you are. But it is obvious to me that despite you are living in one of the best cities in the world, with affordable taxes, you are not happy there. That is why twice a year you are visiting our wonderful, beautiful, vibrant, alive and strong country.. You probably cannot find a nice Canadian girl to marry. That is why you are so bored in Vancouver. That is why you are missing a real life here. Although you are living in a nice, maybe cleaner city, and so far you are paying less taxes, it is clear to me that you don't know what is happening in Canada and British Columbia. Very soon you will pay much higher taxes and obviously you will be less happy. So please keep calculating, keep counting and please don't return to Israel - nobody needs you here. Please don't bother us with questions that bother you and not us. Have a nice day!

I share many of your concerns and didn't vote for Netanyahu. However, you left 7 years before he came to power, so the one thing he can't be made responsible is your leaving the country. If you want to help us change this outstanding little country for the better, you are welcome to join. It is your right to stay in rainy Vancouver and live a comfortable life. But frankly, what is unacceptable is staying there, asking the rest of us Israelis who stay - regardless of other options - to work hard your convenient return, and lecture us and our PM from a distance of 10,000 km. BTW, despite the beauty and convenience of Vancouver, Tel Aviv is still more interesting...

im so tired of hearing this "stay in canada you'll lose your jewish identity bull" for everybody's digestion i say this, we are far far from being 1 general culture just the opposite all faiths beliefs etc practice openly and free of discrimination no were not perfect we have bad people we have good people we have drugs we have the religious, we have arabs we have christians we have hindus we have buddhists we have jews...and EVERY single one of them is free to practice their religion in whatever way they choose to and to be as pious as they choose, by the way im a soon to be ex christian from Canada as I am marying an Israeli woman and converting to judaism, so much for assimilation

It would be hard to find a truthful statement in this open letter from an overgrown bratty kid. First of all, Israel's economy is flourishing. It is one of the best in the Western World. Secondly, by what criteria is Vancouver "the best city in the world"? That would be news to just about anyone who has been there. More crucially, the author childishly blames others for his petulance and lack of responsibility.

Your comment about Quebec being "totally xenophobic" is nonsense! Obviously, you don't know anything about Quebec! I lived in Quebec for the last 25 years, and it is a much better place to live than Toronto where I lived for 10 years prior to that. Yes, some Quebers want an independent state, but that by no means mean that they are xenophobes! On the contrary, Montreal's population includes ethnic groups from everywhere, and no matter what your origin people get along well here. Even Arabs and Jews get along in Montreal! Yes, there is some antisemitism in Quebec. But, is there a place where there isn't any? Quebec is not only more affordable, but offers much richer culture, and a European style of living. Before you put down Quebec, please come and live here for a while and see what kind of a great place it is.