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On the subject of Israel. If you are speaking about Israel and not speaking with actual Israelis, you are doing it wrong.
Luckily for you, there are many of us here & we often speak better English than some natives, though to fully understand Israrel, some Hebrew might help.
Luckily for you, there are many of us here & we often speak better English than some natives, though to fully understand Israrel, some Hebrew might help.
First, Israel is not the US, the UK etc.
We have a separate contex & history. Our societal structure is different. Our “culture wars” are different. No need to project your own context on us. At best, you’ll offend and misunderstand. At worst, you’ll find yourself causing harm.
We have a separate contex & history. Our societal structure is different. Our “culture wars” are different. No need to project your own context on us. At best, you’ll offend and misunderstand. At worst, you’ll find yourself causing harm.
One more word about the US “association”. There are several reasons of mutual intrests and affinity for the strong ties between the countries, but in no way are we a US “franchise”, nor is our clout in the US exceptional, just a par with other US friendly counties.
Now. Many ppl talk about Israel but don’t even know the bare bone geopolitical facts. Let’s start with the map:
Our Neighbours, if you notice, are not stable or democratic. They aren’t full of Chomsky reading gay-friendly hipsters. Those you’ll find in the Tel-Aviv cafe near you.
Gaza - a separate de-facto state, run as a theocratic dictatorship by Hamas. Israel has no presence or claims in Gaza. It can declare independence if it so desires. When missiles are fired at your citizens from a neighbouring sovereign state, you fire back.
The “West Bank” is the only territory that is in dispute. Jordan illegally occupied it in 1948-1967. They waged a war against Israel, lost it, and this territory was gained. We tried to give it back in return 4 permanent peace but were refused in principle by the Arab league.
Israel has no territorial dispute with Lebanon. Hezbollah is a terror militia controlling the south of Lebanon. They fire missiles at Israeli civilians, so Israel must fire back.
I don’t even need to elaborate what it means having Syria as a neighbour in the last decade. Israel has NO part in that civil war, other than saving 10,000(!) wounded Syrians that were smuggled into Israel, treated in our hospitals and brought to safety in other countries.
Society:
Israel has 20% Arab citizens of equal rights. The Jewish population is mostly secular, though a large minority is more religious & issues exist as a result.
It is still the only place in the Middle East were gays have full freedoms, as with anyone’s religion or lack of.
Israel has 20% Arab citizens of equal rights. The Jewish population is mostly secular, though a large minority is more religious & issues exist as a result.
It is still the only place in the Middle East were gays have full freedoms, as with anyone’s religion or lack of.
Economy:
We don’t export mainly oranges and beautiful ppl. We are a high-tech powerhouse. We provide the world with leading technologies, medicines and innovations. We are not dependent on other countries. Indulge with infantile fantasies of boycot at your peril.
We don’t export mainly oranges and beautiful ppl. We are a high-tech powerhouse. We provide the world with leading technologies, medicines and innovations. We are not dependent on other countries. Indulge with infantile fantasies of boycot at your peril.
I can obviously add so much more and answer any question that is coming in good faith. I will also appreciate anyone adding usernames of other informative Israelis out here (there are many and I rather not risk forgetting anyone:).
And a cute & slightly corny “travel brochure” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoizSL-TEJQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch...