It was refreshing to read Michael
Stutchbury's realistic portrayal of Israel as an advanced country dealing with
the same issues facing any other Western nation, as well as its own unique
security challenges ("Amid turmoil, four reasons why Israelis feel safer", AFR, November 20).
Given the circumstances Israel has
faced - a hostile neighbourhood and therefore massive defence spending, an arid
environment, massive immigration, and, until recently, poor resources - other
countries could learn from its success. The Israeli humanitarian efforts that
Stutchbury reported, such as treating victims of Syria's civil war, or
establishing a field hospital to treat Philippines typhoon victims, are also
unknown to most.
Israel is ready and willing to use
its abilities to resolve the challenge with which we are most familiar: the
quest for peace with the Palestinians.
Unfortunately, it has always lacked
the one crucial element over which it has no control - a partner that will
genuinely accept its right to exist in peace.
Perhaps, if these facts were better
understood, peace would be more attainable.
Justin Said
Coogee, NSW
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