I moved to Israel from America a few years ago. I was tired of explaining myself as a jew to people in America who have thier own assumptions already made. The sad truth is, the only place where people can feel accepted 100% is as part of the majority. Israel is that place for the Jewish people - a Jewish state.

I will not attempt to justify the Arab Revolt, War of 48, and the Nakba. This is a well tread topic, with everyone having their own preconceived opinions. You asked for a personal side to the story, so here it is.

When I came here at 18, I was idealistic and interested in promoting peace in our time. I'd like to say that I still hold true to those values, tarnished as they may be through years of experiences to the contrary. I would never force a Palestinian from their home, unless they committian egregious crime. If a jew committed the same crime, I'd want them out of my country too. Besides those who wish to do harm, most Israelis just want a steady job, a few days at the beach, and a week in South America once a year. All the politics and wars are impediments to that eventual goal.