Israel simply trying to defend itself

I was sad to read Walt Zlotow's letter to the editor from April 5 and the misconceptions he seems to have about the state of Israel.

I concede that the situation in the Middle East is complex, and that Israel is not perfect; however, there are many reasons why the United States should support Israel.

Jews have lived in the region for over 3,000 years. Owing to the Holocaust, many nations supported bringing about the state of Israel. Even in 1947, a two state solution was proposed which the surrounding states did not accept. Israel was attacked instead. Since then, Israel has made many concessions to bring about peace which were also not accepted.

Israel has been and is the only democracy in the region and grants equal rights to all its citizens, no matter their political or religious persuasion. Israel has shown time and again that it values human life and tries to protect the civilian population on both sides. Israel does not go on the offensive but simply tries to defend itself. I don't think we can deny any nation the right to defend itself.

Having been to Israel and having had the opportunity recently, on a trip there, to speak to Israelis: Jews, Muslims, Christians, minorities, I can only relay what I heard over and over again. They all have in common that they would rather live in Israel where they have equal rights as citizens than in any of the other countries in the Middle East where most of them would be marginalized at best. In Israel they have free speech, freedom of religion, equal rights for men and women, just to name a few.

Why would we not support an ally that has the same democratic goals as the United States?

Annemarie McDuffee

Lombard