How is life in Israel?

Daily life in Israel?

• As a member of the UN and a beneficiary of a large amount of US aid, Israel is subject to criticism. It shouldn't be compared with other countries of the middle east just as apartheid SA shouldn't have been compared with other corrupt African dictatorships. Personally, I haven't really made up my mind about Israel despite getting an uncomfortable feeling about its government's practices. I'm not informed enough and I'm afraid of forming an opinion that's biased by personal issues I had with a good Jewish friend. So, what is life in Israel like for the average Arab Israeli (not Jewish). I'm especially interested in hearing from Arab Israelis who DON'T feel they are discriminated against. But everyone's opinion is welcome. What about Mizrahi Jews (ones that might have been in the Israeli black panthers)? Do you feel there's discrimination? When land is "reclaimed" for the nation of Israel, why is it necessary to keep Arab Israelis off of that land? Is introducing Muslim people into a Jewish community really a threat to the Jewish people in that communities? Wouldn't such a mixture enrich the community, despite the occasional "cultural tension?" Security is not a good argument. Just because someone is Arabic or Muslim doesn't mean he/she is violent (just as you might argue that just because someone is of a certain ethnic background doesn't mean he's necessarily more likely to commit a crime). If you are an Arab Israeli (and you feel you are discriminated against), would you be happy to live in Israel if there were less discrimination and your culture was appreciated and perhaps even celebrated.... although you don't have as much political power as Jewish citizens do and Israel would remain a Jewish state? Why not give Palestine full independence and, as an ultimatum, demand that they prosecute those organizations responsible for terrorism. Then, if they don't, I think that's casus belli and no nation would blame Israel for waging all out war. I don't really take issue with some of the actions Israel takes against Palestine because it has to protect its citizens... but treating its own citizens in a discriminatory manner is unethical. I welcome all responses but I'm not as interested in the day-to-day life of Jewish Israeli citizens who might not be aware of the discrimination faced by Arab Israelis or who don't want to accept the fact that there is discrimination (if indeed there is an untolerable amount of discrimination).

• Answer:

  My boyfriend is Mizrachi Jewish. His family is from Iraq, he speaks Hebrew and Arabic, and he looks Arab. actually, when i met him i thought he was Arab. anyways, my point is, people mistake him for an Arab all the time. sometimes when we go out people give me dirty looks. when we go to the supermarket i just walk right past but he gets scanned. last week i was in the hospital (ulcers from stress...living in Israel is stressful!), and my boyfriend left to get me some non-hospital food. one of the other patients came up to me and asked me if my boyfriend was Arab. when i told him no, he asked me "then what is he?" i told him my boyfriend was mizrachi Jewish. he didn't believe me and gave me a speech on how i shouldn't date Arab men. he said: Arab men look for Israeli women, they date them and they are perfect gentleman. then after the wedding they treat you like a floor rag. they know how to kiss but they treat you like trash after they get you. needless to say i was highly offended. even if he was Arab its not any of his business who i date. but i can tell you that he doesn't feel discriminated against. i just asked him. i also have a Palestinian friend. he owns his own business and is very successful. all of his clients are Jewish, and they all love him. most of his friends are Jewish as well. i have never heard anyone say anything bad about him. we go to kosher restaurants together and have absolutely no problems. he went with me to vote. he also doesn't feel discriminated against. and i have never seen or heard of someone being discriminate towards him.