You are very lucky to run into people with what is a minority opinion with regards to ISrael, The majority of South Africans, have a deep hatred for Israel as they are alligned with ANC and its freedom fighting/terrorism roots. Just 3 days ago the former foreign minister Kader Asmal wrote an article in a prominent newspaper calleg for the legitimization and de-facto destruction if the state of Israel http://www.mg.co.za/article/2010-06-25-world-must-deny-legitimacy-to-israel There are numerous trade union, and government backed protests against Israel, and University Campuses are not a safe place to display your Jewishness or support for Israel. The Fact is that Just because the writer ran into a few people who are not anti-israel does not mean that the majority of people feel extreme malevolence towards ISrael

trust me, the world DOES hate us!

Of course, everyone in the world doesn't hate us. We probably have more support than we think. Nonetheless, anecdotal evidence doesn't mean much. The fact of the matter is that we have a lot of enemies, Muslims, Leftists, crackpot intellectuals, most of the media, plain old anti-Semites. Just because no one punched you in the face or tried to kill you is no reason to feel so good. Take off the rose-tinted glasses & try to write a realistic article next time.

I think you're the only reporter who was busy asking people, do you love "Israel"?!! It's the inferiority complex ! After all, I will increase your self confidence by tell you,that also there are some Arabs love "Israel", but this does not change, in fact anything, dear, fools and ignorant people are all over the world, in Africa there are fans of" Israel", and there are fans of Palestine, in short, that the world. That the World Cup anyway, let's sing together the song like it very much Oh Africa :))

You can keep your fictional accounts of "loving" supporters to yourself. The rest of the world knows the truth http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasbara

Think you are on the mark, but that does not invalidate Izzies conclusion to "stay warm". This is precisely what attracts certain individuals, imo, your charming side, so to speak.

And it withers because of negative, pessimistic, belittling talkbacks and their writers. In my travels through Europe and the US for business, I have experienced my share of anti-Semitism. But, although I wear a kippah where ever I go - even in the Lebanese mini-mart in Kensington, gas stations in America's Deep South and on the streets of Berlin - the vast majority of people I meet, both for business and incidentally either have nothing against Israel or are interested in learning more about this fascinating wedge of holy land on the Mediterranian. Governments and their agents have their (twisted) reasons for demonizing Israel. But how many real people actually trust their governments? We have a fight on our hands, sure. But Israelis are too often trapped in their 'everyone hates us' drama. Just like Izzy, people need to go and talk to people to find out that, usually, it's just not true.

Does the world hate us? Well, I would say - not more than it hates everybody (EXCEPT when it comes to "special times" like Cast Lead and Flotilla cases). Generally I can say: the only people who are obsessed with Jews are Jews and virulent antisemites. The rest to not hate us more than they hate other groups: like, French hate English (yes, still), Germans hate Turks, Croats hate Serbs - and all that vice versa. Currently I can say that the target of foremost hate are MUSLIMS around Europe. I've encountered many people who say that "Jews are OK, but Muslims..." We are more "by-product" of "American colonialism" (yes, yes, I know, what the hell did America have in 1947, but masses do not know that), so... Also, most of antisemitism in Europe today is Muslim antisemitism. The old "lower race" and "Christkillers" based antisemitism is almost gone, while the "world rulers" antisemitism still clings and is a base for Muslims to spread it. All and all I think that article is good and well tuned.

nobody told you something about an innocent young man who happened to do his military duty when he had been kidnapped by terrorists, they didn't talk about him? just to tell that I'm sure that people don't hate us, but what do they do against those who hate us, cause there are some thousands that don't like Israel. I have to say that if you had a kippa on your head, I'm not sure the contact would have been so kind. when Israelis look like any other people in the world, there are less problems. A religious man, even if he is cool, has not the same sympathy. and I'll finish with a last word, it's not our imagination, people really hate us, if not, why do they demonstrate in streets with such violence, why do they want to wipe us from the face of the Earth, why??? it's just us? I'm sorry I don't buy it. thanks for your article though, it warms our jewish heart.

Yes, there are some decent, genuine ppl who sympathize with Israel. What we have here is media war and some enemies are just too loud, it does not mean everyone listens to them. Luckily. Israel has, for sure, many enemies, but also it has many supporters :)

I know this to be true. I was once lost on a major highway near JHB. A police truck pulled up behind me and 2 (black) policemen approached my car. When I got out and they saw my beard and kippa, one raised his hands and said with a smile..."Brother Israel"

I'm not talking about noise leftists, or about LULA a clown on his knees kissing the Opep feets. I'm talking about the Brasilian people. Israelis, specially the young ones that travel in Brasil are everything that Brasilians praise more: Smarts, beautifuls, stubborns, and definitely HOTS. The average Brasilian isn't interested at all in international politics, they're concerned with parties and holidays like the Carnaval, vacations, travels, go to the beaches at the summer, drinking beer with their friends, romance, sex and above all soccer.

is one state for both native people and settlers end the story. There is no other way for Israel.

The usual PAID suspects in SA are all Anti- Israel.Students ,Trade Union types etc .This began with the ANC types who lived in Terror Training Camps in Libya etc . SA has good relations with Iran as well. Saudi pays a lot of $$$ for propogation of "Muslim Cultural Centres" in SA Also of course ALL Muslims there...mostly of Indian Subcontinent/Pakistaani Origin dont exactly love Israel . In Cape there are many Muslims of Malayan Heritage.Same goes for them . But I dont believe that apart from these people,there is too much Anti Israel hatred in the General Black or White Population . Of course these Israel Haters are very vociferous(as they are anywhere) and Im sure Anti Israelism and AntiJewism is being manipulated into a bad direction by these categories.

Letter in SA Mail and Guardian "Then Haman said to King Xerxes, "There is a certain people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of all other people and who do not obey the king's laws; it is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will put ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury for the men who carry out this business." Esther 3:8-9

Alan, I am a former south african, I Studied for a year at Johannesburg University , I lived for 20 years in SA before I made ALiyah. The fact is I still read the three main daily SOuth African papers every morning, I have experienced the anti israel demonstrations at WIts , i have felt the level of hostility directed towards Israel, the irony is that most people dont even know the size of Israel and its territorial and strategic weaknesses.

I am a proud South African who is married to a Israeli woman, I would like to let you know that you are very lucky to have come and experienced this country all be it just a small part of it. There are thousands of Israelis that come here every year for holidays to our beautiful coast line. The next time you plan on coming down please let me know and i will assist you in seeing more beautiful parts Fond regards Eric

When it came out they were Israelis they were set upon by a German of Palestinian origin. When they fought back THEY were pepper sprayed by the bartender.

it's important to be just happy and smiling, even if you do encounter antisemites. people might hate or love israel, but we know who we are. we can be a bit horrible, but nothing that many try to paint us. fact is, we don't notice that we are not the center of the world. the only ones who really pay a lot of attention are those who love israel, israelis themselves or those who hate us. how many are there? most of us think it's most people, but this just might not be true.

...but you're not alone. their are sincere & loving true christians in this world who support your existence & have compassion with you even to the end of times. And God will never not forsake you. Don't trust the world.

us too death.Were the choosen people, thats what the bible says.

Please take into account that South Africa, even though united under the title of “rainbow nation” is rather a divided nation (in terms of the middle east… and more). Support for Palestinians’ stems from the large South African Muslim community, ANC, Unions and the communist party. However on the other side, White South Africa, especially the white Afrikaner, who number in the millions are usually staunch supporters of Israel (not as much Jewish), this due to their Christian beliefs. Most South Africans though, unfortunately, are still uneducated, and would have no clue to the problems of the Middle East. Because big business is still mostly in white hands, South Africa and Israel enjoy good relations in both economic and social relation. The South African Government is pro –Palestinian, one only needs to look at the Muslim South African ambassador to Israel. Finally, being a very proud Jew, I have already been to 8 Fifa world cup games, and have taken a big Israeli and South African flags to each, while wearing my Bafana Bafana shirt. In Fact, at the Argentina – Ivory Coast game, I asked the person in front (of the row) to help me put up the flag. He smiled… and in very bad English this Argentinean tourist said, “I am Jewish as well” (He was very moved) and helped me put up the flag with great pride… I am sure I saw tears in his eyes… but I can not know for sure. On that note… I will end. Am Israel Chai… with love…From South Africa.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but most Black South Africans hate Israel, as they are constantly fed the story that Isarel is the new Apartheid state. Unfortunately many whites are starting to understand Israel less, after constantly being bombarded by the message so aggressively pushed by the media i.e. that it's Israel that is the aggressor and the Palestinians that are the victims.

Try telling people in the Cape Flats or Lenasia that you are from Israel. Israelis have a terrible reputation in South Africa, a dozen people put on the spot do not shape public opinion

The Palestinians have scored well with certain liberal elites, like the New York Times columnists. There is probably more support for Israel among the people of Europe and the U.S. than their governments. The important thing is for the government of Israel to be concerned about the best interests of its people not "world opinion". Remember that "world opinion" really means liberal elites and groups with heavy Muslim influence.

You are so right we should all be proud to be Israeli no matter where we are and who we talk to. I miss you babe and I hope you come back safe. I send you my love!

Your article was very well written and to the point. Hate is only in the minds of narrow minded peopl Never be asharmed of who you are or where your from. Walk proud.. .. .

The author brings up some very good points. I've noticed this in my travels. Most people around the world are fascinated with Israel and it's people, they don't harbor any hatred towards it. A large aspect of the negative image in fostered by left wing Israeli media which is used to undermine the gov't for political purposes. Stories of protests and boycotts fill the pages but these only represent a small portion of world opinion. A perfect example is that boycotts of Israel have been unsuccessful as Israel's exports increase year over year.