Rich, I have never been to Canada, but I have been living in the US, and traveled to most of the european countries (and lived in Austria), and of course many times to Israel (from north to south), and I can tell you that the quality of life in Israel is as high as many of those countries and much higher than others. And I don't know which problem you had with the money in Israel, but what I saw is than the warm people of Israel and the job opportunities I found there, can make someone (if you work hard) live there very well (after some time, and considering the taxes are very high, but in Spain they are high too!). And that's my perception although I am not a jew, and I think it is supported by the fact that there are more and more inmigrants coming to Israel. And considering the lack of water, and the heat of the region, it makes more amazing and amirable what the jews (and some arabs that stayed) have made with this country.

You claim that I am selfish because I am successful in Israel even though you were not. What kind of logic is this? I am successful because I work hard. I have a private medical clinic and work in two Kupot Holims. If an Israeli or a Druze comes to my private clinic and is having financial problems then I will treat them for a much reduced fee. Unlike in Canada I feel that I am making a real difference here in the Golan. If anyone is selfish it is you Rich who did not have what it takes to make a life here and now enjoys sending emails knocking the Jewish homeland. You should read the April 23 Canada's Macleans magazine(about Israel's downfall). I am sure that a defeatist like you would enjoy it.

Yair, you are completely missing the point. Israel is built on the graveyards of Palestinian and on stolen Palestinian land. The UN in 1947 granted Israel the right to steal about half the land, and then Israel came in with guns and stole more. All this with US financing. Israel is a house of cards built on a substrate of immorality. Do you get it, Yair? Israel is really that bad, and even worse.

He's not selfish, you're just jealous, which is an un-Jewish trait. Creating a good life for yourself is the most generous thing you can do, because it brings hope and inspiration to others that they can do the same. The world or Israeli gov't doesn't owe you nothing. Ask yourself instead what you can do for Israel and the world.

TO "MISSING THE POINT" TO #63 SOMEONE SHOULD REALLY POINT THIS GUY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. HIS COMMENTS ARE PURE HATRED AND EXTREMELY OBSCENE. HE HAS A " HATE MIS-MANAGEMENT" ISSUE. THERE IS ALWAYS ONE IN EVERY CROWD.

I'm pretty sure you are not a real Jew saying things like that, nice try tough, using the Jewish name. Can't wait for the day when people have to use their real identities on the internet, so cowards like you can't hide behind a made-up name.

I am a Zionist Oleh from Britian. I also have US citizenship but chose Israel cause I am a Zionist. In 21 years in Britain including dangerous areas at night, I was never assaulted.

This is a very good article , and I believe the whole business of seeing the half of the glass that is full is very wise. But one could add, Ahmadinejad's Iran, Fatah, Hizbollah, Hamas, Islamic Radical Terrorism, etc and etc. The most real problem here is the neighbors.

I doubt Yair has a clue as to whats its really like to struggle in Israel. Although Israel has made some amazing achievements over the last 60 years, the current and past corrupt governments have ruined all that has been achievd! These same governments have made Yair's family rich, so of course he is only going to see things through rose colored glasses!

I do not like this current government either . But come on, Israel has made more than "some" amazing acievements. What Israel has accomplished over the last 60 years is miraculous!

Yesterday in shul I had the displeasure of meeting up with some Israeli fellow whos idea of showing up in shul in a pair of faded jeans was his idea of respect. Yesterday was yiskor day and so this fellow came to pay his respect for his late dad. Never having been in a synagogue he felt the need to show up only because he happened to be touring and felt he needed some Jewish contact. I found it interesting that in israel he never ever visited a synagogue to show respct for his dad. That in effect sums up the totality of Jews from Israel in general. Its obvious that Israel has failed in the most important thing. Namely giving the Jews a sense of pride.. Pride in themselves, in their history, culture and religion.

Judah...try taking me out of my home..ala gaza ....just try. I live in a free Canada, where the rule of law is simply that the rule of law. Start packing your bags..I got a rental for you here in Montreal a 51/2 for 1200. No pets no hazer frying no noise. You pay your own heat. Oh yes..I'll give you a chance to live in my house...However if you dont pay you wont stay. Start packing your woolies.

Unlike you,I left Canada. Why do you spend your time in shul when you obviously have no love for Israel? At Pesach do you say "L'shauna haba b'yerushalim"or do you say next year in Montreal? When your grandchildren marry gentlies maybe then you will realize the importance of a Jewish country.

Excellent article! Of course there ARE things to complain about (income gap, rudeness, environmental neglect) -- but all in all the writer is right - most Israelis love living in Israel and we've accomplished the hell of a lot. The problem is that we want a perfection we IMAGINE exists elsewhere but doesn't... For example, for all those complaining about health services in Israel : have they ever been subjected to the awfulness of the British ones? Or to those who think our public transportation is the worst - do they know that the London underground breaks down on average twenty percent of the time and is hellishly overcrowded and HOT (40-45 C.) in the summer with no air conditioning? Are they aware that... the list could go on endlessly.

haha stupid isralies, everyone hates you but dont worry...PALESTINE will seek revenge. LONG LIVE PALESTINE,,,ISRAEL...IS ARTIFICAL.i wish you guys would have the courage of the Palestinans...at least 1/100....too bad.