Ignorant means you don't know something, you haven't learned it yet. It doesn't mean you are stupid, just not informed on the subject being discussed. The Author probably wouldn't like it, if his child was called stupid, because he couldn't speak english when he came to the United States. Or would that be acceptable? By the way, some of us stupid americans know that a large number of Palestinians are Christians. You don't hold all the knowledge just because you showed up from the West Bank or Gaza. It would be nice if I could meet someone from another country that appreciated the fact that they got a chance to live in the United States. If it's such a burden, and we are so stupid, Go back and watch your buddies blow themselves up with plastic explosives. You want to talk about stupid, look in your own backyard.

We're Americans. Many of our ancestors come from different countries. They came here for many reasons such as adventure or for a better life. Anything possible here. May G-d bless America and all the different and interesting people.

Hanania writes: "I responded asking why my father, who was born in Jerusalem, couldn’t go back there to live. Yet Eban, who was born “Aubrey Solomon” in South Africa, could. He didn’t like that question one bit. " 1) He couldn't return because instead of abiding by the UN decision Arabs started a war in which they attempted to wipe out the nascent Jewish state. One of the consequences of their genocidal impulses was that some Arabs lost their homes. Israelis are also well aware that a decision to allow Arabs to return would signal the death of the Jewish nation and Jews would either be killed, or, once again, become third-class citizens in an Arab state. It should also be noted that a far greater number of totally innocent Jews (over 750,000) after 1948 - the world's forgotten refugees - were expelled at gunpoint from nations in which many had been living for millenia. And yes, in theory many Israeli Jews could return to their former homelands in the West, but they would do so in the certain knowledge that at some point in the future they or their descendants would once again be set upon by the gentile and quite possibly murdered. Many millions of people lost their homes following World War II. "Palestinians" should stop their eternal whining and get on with their lives like everyone else. 2) The notion that Eban, a great intellectual and one of the world's most respected statesmen, was in any way fazed by your question is utterly risible.

Thank you for your point of view. Aside from saying that the first Christians were Arabs, it's a wonderul article and I really enjoyed reading it. Too bad there are total idiots like #1! http://community.webshots.com/user/orlyyahalom

Just some toughts as I sit here at my Wal-Mart job: I'm Merikan. I'm no ignoranter. You go home, you fake Christtian. Go look in your back yard, if your trailer has one. What's the difference between Abba Eban and a Palestinian, or a Jew and an Arab? Who cares. (Isn't Abba Eban a rock band?) Only Eskimos and Bears live in Alaska. Happy Holi-days! And if yer dunt like it, go home!

However, I dont understand where you get that first Christians/Jews were arabs? As for not being able to go back to Jerusalem? How about the Jews in eastern Jerusalem who were ethnically cleansed by the British and Jordanians? I think Israel does a pretty good job with majority and minorities. Its not perfect, but neither is Democracy.

David writes: "As for not being able to go back to Jerusalem? How about the Jews in eastern Jerusalem who were ethnically cleansed by the British and Jordanians?" Does one crime justify another? I am amazed at how Israelis always respond to criticism of their policies by instead pointing to a similar criticism they had of Arab policies. If the policy is bad and is discriminatory, isn't the better answer to say it should stop and that Palestinians should be allowed to enter Jerusalem freely? It doesn't happen today. I am writing from Ramallah. I was born in Jerusalem. The Israelis refuse to let me enter Jerusalem. I've done nothing wrong except to be born Muslim and Palestinian. Issa K

You are good when you make your points with humor not whining. Try again and G-d bless you and yours.

First, I think Mr. Hanania's condescension and subtle racism are rather offensive. His joke about the English-speaking abilities of Wal-Mart workers was offensive. Also, why is he so proud of his close friendship witht he likes of Abba Eban, a man who has helped in the Israeli government's ethnic clensing of the Palestinians? Please note, this is not against dialogue, not against non-violence, and certainly not against Jews. This is a statement that someone should not be proud of his friendship with a man who has taken active part in ethnic clensing and attempts to publicly discredit the Palestinian cause, despite his ill-earned reputation as a "dove." He sounds like a person who want's to prove he is not racist by saying "I have African-American friends." If you want to polish your image, Ray, for having Jewish friends, there are so many Jews out there a lot more couragous and honorable than Abba Eban. Also, Mr. Hanania's own ignorance is startling. What does a "non-violent peace with Israel" mean? This may seem like picking nits, but it shows the lack of careful thought that surrounds writing on this topic. It also suggests, I suspect, an unwillingness to come clean with his true beliefs. If Mr. Hanania supports peaceful resistance to Israeli government occupation (as I do), then he should have the courage to say so. If he just wants "peace," he should be clear about what he means, if he is able. I suspect he is pulling punches because of the conservative nature of this paper. Either that or he has no ideas. Moreover, I don't know what he is smoking, to put it bluntly. But the first Christians were not Arab. Arab settlement of Palestine did not come until over half a millenium later. Also, Christians are more than political pawns in the Arab-Israeli conflict. They are active participants. Let us not paint Christian Palestinians as helpless victims. Many are actively involved in the struggle against occupation. True, there are pawns, but these are both Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. I don't know why Mr. Hanania wants to pick on Wal-Mart greeters. I doubt he knows the ethnic history of Yorubas and Hausas. To be honest, neither do I. I would recommend we not be so eager in congratulating ourselves for the vastness of our knowledge.

here in palastine we have many villiges all its inhebetants are crestians like jefna , taybeh bir zeet ,einarik .bit sahur bit jala rafeedia .and these are palastinians are farmers has the castomes of any palastinian in any village if they are moslem or crestian here in jerusalem we are moslems and crestians friends nabours study in the same schools colleges no differance between us ///there is arman and other nationalities all are friends and no importance to meet iba iban or others ray do you know it is name has an arabic root i have a sister known hanan //and we used to tell any body asking his kinde and mercy [hananuka ] i think you do not know much about the arab palastinian nor the arabic langouage as iam know little abuot america but i know much about my country and iam very good in arabic langouage also iam never stupid or ignorant salam ray

The first Christians were Arabs. The Arabs were nomads, defined under modern times but always nomadic and roaming the deserts of the Middle East including Canaan and Palestine. You can call them whatever you want in Biblical times, but they did exist. The guy who claims Arabs invaded the region in the 7th century is confusing Muslim with Arab -- as is always done to silence Christian Arabs. As for Christians, I know my Palestinian Christian community very well. They are angry not just with the brutality and unfairness of the Israeli system and the occupation, but also with the condescending manner in which Muslims treat Christians. They love to hold us up in the air as trophies when they need us, but when it really comes down to it, SOME -- not all -- SOME Muslims come together on the basis of religion and ostracize Christians. Just look at the growing list of Muslim American organizations that discriminate against Christians by exclusion and marginalization. Yes, there is one truth. If I had to choose betwene living in an Islamic Republic like Iran, Saudi Arabia or live under Israeli occupation where my rights might be stripped but I can stand up like a man and protest injustice, I would rather live under Israeli occupation than Islamic occupation. That burns many Muslims to hear that but it is the truth, the truth that is true in Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour and in other Christian Arab cities in Israel and Palestine. Christians are abused by both sides ... and each wants to blame the other as persecuting us more. The fact is, you BOTH are abusing Christian Palestinians and I, for one, won't be told to shut-up because a few activists don't think my complaints fit into their agenda. And again, read ALL my writings, and don't just pick and choose. I'm proud of my consistency and constant opposition to violence and my constant support of non-violence. Ethnic cleansing? We never can argue the reality of our suffering. Why is it that we always have to make things worse to argue it? And, by the way, what rights as a Christian would I have in the Islamic World? Talk about ethnic cleansing ... Ray Hanania ranting on Christmas Eve ... www.hanania.com

is not funny ,never was... and writes about sh** no one cares about... or gives 2 sh***about... get a life.... "as a chrisitan palestinian"" must you remind us all about your b.s background. ? and where is palestine anyway? get it out of your head ,there will never be one either.

"discriminated against in the Muslim World" ??? Where did you come up with that judgment from? Our Christian brothers in Palestine can't in ANYWAY be told from their muslim neighbours. Neither the religion nor the culture permit such thing. But what can I say?? May Allah have mercy on Saad Pasha when he came back from exile and asked Saafiya to "ghatteni wi sawatti ya Saafiya, Mafish Fayda"

i have a friend he is chrectian from one village here in palastine told me about his father when his first wife was sick can not have mor children than the 4 duaghters ...his father went to the khori in the churche asked him to have second wife as he want a son the khori said you want to be a moslem go away ,,,after some days he returned to the churche carrying sejada and masbaha telling to the khori if you do not bless the second marrage i will be moslem then my friend told me the khori bless the second marrage they live the tow wives the six sons from the second wife and the four doughters in the same farm the father take care of his christian family and after his death the big son take care of the family the result or the end of this story is said by my friend telling to me iam more palastinian than you mre araby than you more fallah than you i was laughing but not more moslem than me now ray you are not more christian than my friend not more palastinian than both not more araby than both becouse my friend never say any thing bad about moslem s he respect our religion as we moslem respect all the religions ///politics is another thing what you like or not where you want to live is upon you it is the freedom of evry body

And when I greet my Israeli friends, and they ask me if I live in an Igloo? I respond to my Israeli friend," You must be stupid, you are so ignorant that I can't believe you asked me such an idiotic question. My you are dumb !" When you move into anyones country. Have enough class, or greatfullness, that you were afforded the right to live there when dealing with its citizens. They afforded you the opportunity to live there in the first place, with their immigration policies. Just because they can't read a tatoo on your brown forehead that says, palestinian christian, doesn't mean they are stupid or ignorant. If you know they are trying to address you correctly,when giving a greeting, then don't make them guess while you judge them. They can't read your mind or your skin color. Anymore than your belief that I live in an Igloo. Some in america believe that people who make such assumptions about americans are stupid, ignorant, or total idiots, Orly. As for what members of Wal-Mart receive in compensation. In most cases, it's quite a bit more than what you can make in Israel Orly. Maybe they aren't so stupid, ignorant, and total idiots! And at least when I addressed my Israeli friends, I showed more respect than you, or this writer have shown to US citizens. If everyone didn't think they could just piss on you because you are from the states, then we wouldn't have to act like such idiots, when we get offended ,by such ignorant insults, or should I say such stupid insults. I'll remember to be rude and call you stupid, ignorant, and a idiot the next time I visit Israel Orly. I'm glad the Kibbutzniks at Haogen and Maabarot weren't as rude as you and your writer friend.

Steven, I have met so many immigrants here in Chicago who are more than appreciative for living in the this great country, most of them love the USA as much as any other American does. Besides, Middle Eastern people are not the only immigrants to this country, the only non-immigrants to this country are the original inhabitants of this couuntry; the American Indians, who in fact moved to North American long time ago from another continent. Also, you have to know that not a large number of Palestinians are christians, they only account to less than 10% around the worlld out of the all the Palestinians. When the author meant ignorant, he was refering to the American ignorance in other cultures, not ignorance in general. How could we be ignorant and we control the world's economy. So before you respond with your ignorance about a matter you do not understand in, and make fun of people that you probably never met, and heard about in the media, go educate yourself with some books about the Palestinian people and why they blow themselves up.

While the beginning of Hanukah and Christmas are falling on the same date, so did Yom Kippur and the start of Ramadan earlier in the same year. Lets hope that this leads people to realize religious coexistence and dialogue is esssential in this country and other. Still searching for dialogue groups in the area, Aaron

steven, i am with you all the way. i gonrant is as ignorant does or speaks.... don't pay attention to the orlys of the world.... there are plenty of idiot israelis .... being an israeliand a jew are not necessarily a guarentee of common sense ....... and ray hannnia--- you are not funny at all, actually it 's pretty pathetic what you write about. boooo!

I have no problem with his use of ignorant. That means you don't know and haven't learned something yet. He used the word stupid, which isn't the definition of ignorant. If I referred to his child as stupid for not knowing the english language he would be offended. I am American Indian. Choctaw in fact. I could look up and try to find out why people become suicide bombers. I don't need to. I lived in Israel. If you look at old pictures and videos of Kibbutz Haogen you will see land, three buildings and about maybe 15 jews. No arabs, other jews, americans, or europeans. No one was living there. Now---since everyone had to have 15 children---there is no available land to all of the palestinian children. Did this make the problem the Jews fault or the Palestinian parents who decided to have more children than the land could support. China has the same problem, do they blow everyone else up? India? I could of whined and moaned about the travesties committed by the europeans against the Indians. I chose to advocate for myself and buy 140 acres of land in Utah in 1991. Now the property can be sold for $65,000.00 dollars an acre. I bought all the land for $16,000.00 dollars in total. Had I went with the Palestinians typical excuse that we have every right to blow them up, because they took our land, I might of blown up an american shopping mall. The children I met in 1979 and 1982 had no right to expect a deed to land, to be handed to them at birth. You have to advocate for yourself and survive through good and bad times. Get a job, Buy some land. If none is available then move to a country like the USA or Australia that have land that you can buy. No diety is gonna give you some land any time soon. You have to get off your butt, make plans, look for a place that has land that you can afford. You can be a defeatest and give into the, I wanta blow myself up crowd. But why do it when countries like the USA ,Australia, Africa and many other Arab countries have loads of land. Why is it, the Arab countries don't advocate for your plight by opining up lands in the Sinai or Saudi Arabia. Are your fellow Arabs advocating for you when they tell you to blow yourselves up? How is it, that they don't offer options that are better than blowing yourselves up. If all they can offer is racism, then offer to trade countries with them, let them blow up their children. I mean do you really have so little faith in your God that the only option he has left you with, is blowing yourself up? Why did he bother letting you on this earth to die so miserably in the first place. Is this the God you want me to want to follow. That will be the day. I don't want to sign that contract for you or myself.

The author should stay in America and his kids should marry Americans. They should assimilate and disappear there. Israel belongs to us

hey ray,if you set out to alienate and piss off your readers,you have done a bonza job. i did enjoy reading the responses though,and had a good laugh.good on you mate. cheers.

you are not ignorant you are stupid only //the problem here is not land and population it is another thing //iam susu iam not being yet iam asoul in the heaven of palastine when i willbe borned after 1000 years i will explain to your grand son the 50 th what it means unless he is stupid like you

you are dreaming again!! the Greeter never ever asked you what you are! so stop lying. Wally world would have fired him for being like you !

hope the new year brings prosperity, hope and above all peace for all of you. best regards your iranian friend.

This one Ray- I actually liked ! (but so far- ony this one) well done & Merry Christmas

Come on Susu. Is it so hard to find remax.com---century21.com----coldwellbanker.com? They sell land---You don't have to blow yourself up---You don't have to pray for it. You just gotta pay for it. Being that I payed 16 thousand dollars for 140 acres in Utah, and now I am a millionaire----Who's the ignorant stupid person here. I didn't have to strap a bomb on my body and run my body through a chipper shreddar. Why don't you quit whining about how long you have lived in your little village and advocate for yourself. Better your life for once. Buy some land in your country, or whatever country affords you, and your children a better life. No you don't have to listen to me. You can send your children to blow themselves up in Israel. You can stay with the blow em up for Allah crowd. So who is stupid? The person blowing himself up for land. Or the person that buys his land ,and lives to see his children grow up. Sometimes the truth hurts susu. It can cut like a knife.

i do not agree with the suisde bombers i like the life and like the life to all if they are stupid or not the only truth i tell in my message is the problem is not as you said and explain it is not the land and more population it is another thing it is all what i said you donot know about the conflect so if you lost the cause surly you lost the solution ....lastly if you see iam stupid in that oky iam stupid what you want more to kill me like the one before many centuries want to kill the idiots the mad the stupid so he start by killing people he think they were salam [ma bectaa alras illa elli rakabuh ]

I haven't said anything remotely close to "Americans are stupid". I only said that Steve (1) was a total idiot, and I still believe he is. Idiot and aggressive ("Go back and watch your buddies blow themselves"). I don't think Ray Hanania has said "Americans were stupid" either. By the way, I don't let anyone guess what they should greet me. I don't expect anyone to greet me for anything. If the issue arises, I proudly say that I'm an Israeli Jew. However, after saying that, there are still people (Americans and non-Americans) who wish me A Merry Christmas. As a response, I've made a presentation about Hanukkah: http://community.webshots.com/album/524796825PSzGML