John,

You said "The difference in the Diaspora now is that Jews have the choice of living in a Jewish homeland, or living anywhere else. This was not always a choice for them." While that is true, a surprisingly substantial number who had chosen to live in Eretz Yisroel later changed their mind. Another substantial number who were born and grew up there also chose to leave. Those Israeli ex-patriates, whether sabra (native born) or those who hade made alliyah (immigrants) are whom I mean by Diaspora II.   

You also said, "May your sister-in-law always remain safe," and I thank you. But safety can only come for them (and for my brother-in-law, my nieces, nephews, and cousins) with reconciliation between the Israelis and Palestinians. And that can only come through the recognition of both the justice and injustice on each side.

You are right in saying that, at least for now, "Jews have the choice of living in a Jewish homeland." But that homeland is also the homeland of many Arabs and other non-Jews. Some of those Arabs currently make up about 20% of the population of Israel proper, and many others, a we all know, live in the Palestinian Diaspora. Until there is some just resolution, the will be no prospect of peace.

--- Steve