Wish for peace

I have said it before: Israel is a miracle. It was created after the worst act of mass murder in recent history.

It is the ONLY democracy in the Middle East. The only country where Christians,Jews and Muslims live with equal rights. The only country in the Middle East where gays are not executed for just being gay.

Israel is not a perfect country, by any means. No country in the world is perfect. It has the same social problems as the rest of the world: crime, racism etc. Israel has humans as leaders and sometimes they do and say things that make us go “Huh?”. It is perfectly ok to criticize Israel’s leaders. I criticize Israel. I criticize the PA. I criticize Hamas. It is ok to do so. But what I don’t do is this: demonize anyone. I have read that Israelis are evil Devils who don’t deserve life. I have read the same thing about Palestinans. Both groups have bad people, this is true. But both groups have good people too. I am appalled by the attacks,scared for Israelis,and in tears for the victims. But I don’t judge all Palestinians. I can’t do that.

As we start Hanukkah, my deepest prayer is for no more senseless violence, that both sides can demand their leaders come up with a plan for lasting peace.

That would truly be a miracle to celebrate.