Thread by @skjask

Things people forget when taking about/judging Israel:
1-We are in the Middle East where the strong win & the weak die
2- Every election rests on the above fact. Our big issues aren't abortion & immigration. It's security/survival
3- Our pop is an amalgamation of diff cultures

..We are literally a mash up of Arab, European, Western, African, Russian etc, people who come with centuries of survival in hostile conditions.
4- we are all of 70 yrs old
5- most of this time we spent under fire & while absorbing millions of immigrants from around the world

.. many of whom were penniless and needed homes, jobs and to learn the language. The state provided all of this
6- we disagree in a lot of things but we all agree that this is our home & even if we disagree on how to run it, we won't anyone take it from us again.

7- every 18y/o except Arabs & Haredim (some of whom also serve) serve in the army or Nat Service. It is an army of the people.
8- Almost everyone has lost someone to war or terror.
9- All residents know where the closest bomb shelter is & have government issued gas masks

10- we live under constant threat from within & without
11- to visit a country that isn't hostile, we need a plane or boat
12- we are desperate for acceptance & understanding
13- we want peace more than you do
14-we know that nothing our gov does on its own will bring that peace

15- we wish you would understand where we are coming from, but know who we are & what we stand for and aren't going to apologize for existing.
16- we are strong and we are proud and while our hand is extended in peace, we will defend what's ours till the end of days.