[luvbach1]

This state of Israel was created because it's the only place in the world where Jews have the right and capability to defend themselves by themselves... Pressed slightly, even this writer would have to concede that the USA has provided a unique haven for Jews in which they have had the means to defend themselves since before the founding of Israel.

[Illbay]

Funny. I have a job that I just received yesterday, consulting for a venerable Jewish family-owned corporation here in town (they own a chain of furniture stores, own and manage apartments, construction company, etc.)

These people have been here in Houston since the late 1800s. Similar situations exist all across the South. I grew up with several Jewish kids in Birmingham, Alabama. I don't think any nation in the world, at any time, INCLUDING Israel, provides a more peaceful and hospitable place for Jews to live and prosper. And so it goes with all races, creeds, colors and denominations (with the inevitable rough patches in the road, of course).

It just struck me as odd, the statement that Israel is the only place where Jews can "defend themselves by themselves." Ideally, in the United States of America every citizen's right to do so is sacrosanct--though as we know the price of that liberty is eternal vigilance. That includes Jews and everyone else.