Who would have the clever idea to sit down one night in early spring and make up a story of slavery and freedom.....and no one objected?? Split-get a life

"Ancient" Israel. Quite. 21st century Israel seems some way off.

There are sure to be anti-Semites among those supporting BDS, just as there were among those who supported BDS against South Africa, so to those who use anti-Semitism , forget it! I live in Israel since 1962. All my children and grandchildren live in Israel, and none of us have foreign citizenship. Like many other people in this country, I am very worried what the future holds for our children and their children. I do not care which party/parties rule here, I care very much that they will have more common sense and be less arrogant than the government of Golda Meier.which could have achieved Peace with Egypt when Sadat offered it. Instead Dayan said that "he would rather have Sharm El Sheikh without peace, to peace without Sharm El Sheikh". That arrogance cost the lives of almost 3000 Israelis and hundreds of thousands physically or mentally wounded.

Until 1967 the only ones trying to destroy Israel by boycott were the Arab States. All Western Europe was our friend. (I know, I was here) Today Europe is still our friend, but they are sick and tired of Israel's excuses as to why we do not end the occupation. So now they want products from outside what they consider to be Israel to be marked as such. As expected, our govt. claims that this will lead to thousands of Palestinians becoming unemployed. (The same had been said by the govt. in SA concerning the effect on the non-white workers in that country.) In 2002 Saudi Arabia's proposal to the Arab league, that if Israel ends the occupation was accepted.by the Arab states but rejected by Israel. Arrogant Israeli lsraeli leaders can always justify why they say no to peace.

There are those who claim that the aim of BDS is to destroy Israel. I reject that idea entirely. I see BDS as the last resort to bring our govt. to its senses All the reasons given by Israelis over the past 46 years why not to withdraw from occupied territory have no basis in international law or more importantly , in "Real Politique" For all who claim that "There is no such thing as a Palestinian People" I suggest reading the 1923 essay by Zeev Jabotinsky THE IRON WALL (We and the Arabs) It seems that Jabotinsky was a pragmatist. In the second last paragraph of his essay, Z.J. says that eventually a compromise may be achieved. I believe that we have now reached that stage. Unfortunately our politicians suffer from the same syndrome as Golda and Dayan did in 1971. Our PM controls us by means of fear, and this week minister Erdan spoke of a "Palestinian Terror State" What nonsense! After 4 years of terror committed by The Irgun and Lehi, Israel was established as a Jewish Democratic state. It is not a Terror state. But it seems that there are still those who think that we will never have to compromise.

I am a pragmatic Zionist. I agree entirely with the first sentence in your second last paragraph. Unlike you and all those in your political camp, I believe that this separation can be achieved soon. It all depends upon the willingness of both sides to compromise. A vast majority of the Palestinians and I believe the Israelis, are sick and tired of the suffering and fear that exists on both sides. To achieve this end, we must think outside the box.

The negotiations between Israel ind the Palestinians should be orchestrated by two officials, one Russian and one American. The main difficulty lies in the future of Jerusalem. The only possible solution is that neither side will control the old city including the Temple Mt. and the Western wall. After an agreement the Old City will be under a Governorship which will alternate between America and Russia. (Each side bringing his own officials and police) There will also be liaison officers from Israel and Palestine. Much has been written about the withdrawal from occupied territory. I will say only that it should be based on 95% withdrawal (as previously agreed, with the Palestinians receiving the remaining 5% from within the Green line. As mentioned before I am a pragmatic Zionist, and as such I recommend accepting the proposal made by Prof. Arnon Sofer whereby Wadi Arra and the Triangle become Palestinian territory. This transfer being a technicality, the movement of the Arabs in these areas should not be restricted, and they should be allowed to continue their economic and cultural connections which they have had in Israel all these years.

The Jews think they're so smart. Well I wouldn't be stuck working at this Jiffy Lube if a lifetime of frantic self-abuse hadn't ruined my eyesight...