one thing, it is the first time in my recollection that you didn't use the Talkback to bash Israel. Second, you called for cultural sensitivity. On the prairies, where I reside when not in Israel, I spend a great deal of time with Native Indians. One of the lessons, in order to be accepted, educated and to socialize, is when within their society, respect their cultural norms. That in itself is not an easy task as often we are unaware of what Native people take for granted. And each tribe, each people, differ, sometimes widely. So if I were to move amongst Palestinians in Palestinian society, I would try my utmost to suit their norms (within reason) and, in that way, show respect. One of the problems between Palestinians within Israel proper and Jews as well as Palestinians in the Westbank and Jews are the differing social norms and the all too rapid modernization of social and intellectual life foisted upon Arabs who are just not ready for it. For instance, in our fastpaced life in the new Mideast, the Arab father has lost his former authority and breaches in the norms of what is considered modest sexual behaviour are commonplace. The Arab people blame this on Israeli Jews because they (we) appear to be the proximate cause. Therefore, they become hostile towards us as they see their way of life disappearing. With respect to the bigger picture, there is little I can do; but in so far as I am involved, it is incumbent on me to exhibit the same level of sensitivity as I would expect were the situation to be reversed. I am sure, Dr. Alofs, given that you have been conducting a medical clinic in Gaza for some time now, that you are much more aware than I and most Posters of the details and benefits of exhibiting sensitivity to people whose culture we were not brought up in and you probably have much to teach us. To return to the article in question, I don't blame the protesters for requesting that women "cover up" when protesting in eastern Jerusalem. It makes sense. On the other hand, I would expect, and hope for, the same kind of conduct were these same protesters to conduct their meetings in Meah Shearim. I think Mr. Wohl is alluding to the fact that they don't seem to exhibit the same kind of sensitivity amongst their Jewish brothers and sisters as they do amongst Arabs. If he is right, then I agree with him on that score.

always find Terry's posts thoughtful and of interest. Your hostile characterization of him just doesn't make sense. Perhaps you need to view a sample of his posts. You don't need to agree with him. In general, Terry's comments are "heuristic". This means that they stimulate ideas and new reflections. On this score, I am in agreement with Steve who has also defended Terry's contributions. We need to support all of the valuable contributors we can as there are many who reflexively deny or abhor Israel's very existence.

most of the zionists r seculars, but than again when it comes to lefties like you logic and reason r very rare thing. :)

... but I don't like beer, I prefer wine, for example from the Golan ...

than the Israeli Universities professors.. Don't mix everithing ..

If they don't "cover-up", then the PA has to cover up stories of attempted rape of Western Leftists Activists.

#6 NYC Girl is exactly correct about the leftist perspective. It is completely mindless and infantile. Leftist thinking holds, for instance, Black is good. White is bad. Thus a Black U.S. President must be good, whether or not they actually are good. Anyone who promotes "peace" is good. Same thing applies to anyone who promotes "the environment, social justice, equality, sustainable development, degrowth etc..." Even when their actions and agendas are despicable. Thus leftists see nothing wrong with standing shoulder to shoulder with Radical Islamists, who want to mass murder Jews, and calling Jews "racists".

The difference between a bleeding heart and a constipated conscience is the difference between the liberal left and the reactionary right. A liberal tries to understand what motivates another in order to find a humane way to deal with the conflict between their ideas. The reactionary doesn't care what another thinks, he knows from the very beginning that the "other" is wrong" and therefore dangerous. He knows ahead of any attempt to find a modus-vivendi, that none is possible.

You blamed the author that: "If Wohl truly showed concern for women he'd point out the manner in which secular Israeli society also treats women as sexual objects and vectors of consumption" Well... What would you say now? read: http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3794713,00.html

Good to see that there are matters that we can agree on..

Sheikh Jarrah a s few hundred meters of non-historic territory between the New City and Hebrew University. It was always mixed -- until the Arab Legion segregated it in 1948. The Mandelbaum Gate was there, and Mandelbaum isn't an Arab name!