Nickhere - For the most part, I agree with your line of reasoning but I will argue that, "...the mere fact of having a term like "Israeli-Arab" points to the sectarian and divided nature of the Israeli state," is not necessarily so. It does mean that we assume all Israelis are Jews and that Arabs are others. That is a very accurate description of Israel at the present time. However, in Canada, we have Chinese-Canadians, Indo-Canadians, etc. It doesn't seem to be an issue because although they keep their cultural identity (and hopefully their language), they are, in fact, Canadian. I will admit that I have never referred to myself as an American-Canadian so you may be right.

Secular democracy doesn't seem to work in the Mid-east. Israel likes to think that because they are 'modern' they are a democracy but I don't think you can call Israel 'secular'. In fact, they want a theocracy just like their Muslim neighbors in Iran. Maybe that is the problem. The U.N. thought they were giving Jews a place where their ethnic identity would be respected, a homeland so to speak, but did not intend it to become a racist theocracy.

I am very disappointed in present day Israel. I would hope that they would serve as an example to others in the Middle East but they seem to have succeeded in stooping to the lowest commom denominator. How will any changes occur if Israel does not lead the way? Instead, Israel has become an oppressive, racist force in the Middle East.

Anyway, I have said enough. Nothing is going to change because of my opinion. It is up to Israel to determine their future and the future of those who are living on their borders in refugee camps. I sincerely hope they will someday heal and begin to show some compassion for others. I am sure this is not what God had in mind.