Country with bad image

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Well, I live in Israel and I hear a lot of crap being said about my country, in the news and the media.
Can someone explain why it's like that? I fail to understand it, even though I watch the news and read articles on a daily basis, and quite frequently.
I understand the issues that exist, but why does the normal citizens have to be criticized?
I only live here, it's not my fault there are problems in this region and in this country.
I didn't even serve in the military, if that matters. I have killed no Palestinians.

Let me put it this way ...

Well, I live in America and I hear a lot of crap being said about my country, in the news and the media.
Can someone explain why it's like that? I fail to understand it, even though I watch the news and read articles on a daily basis, and quite frequently.
I understand the issues that exist, but why do the normal citizens have to be criticized?
I'm only a citizen here; it's not my fault there are problems in this region and in this country.
While I did serve in the military, it's not relevant to current affairs. I have killed no minorities.

I hope that illuminates things for you.

I thought all able-bodied Israelis had to serve a mandatory tour of duty with the Israeli military. How did you get out of it?

Certain Orthodox Jewish sects are exempt. So are the disabled, and (maybe) severely autistic people, as well.

I don't find Israel a bad country. It's not your fault that history happened the way it happened. I like the Israeli people. I'm Jewish myself.

From the Palestinian/Arab viewpoint, Israel was imposed upon them by distant foreign powers. The Palestinians lost their land because of the establishment of Israel in 1948. It is seen as being something which was imposed upon them by imperialist powers who did not understand the people of the Middle East. They don't think it was fair.

If you were a Palestinian, how would you feel?

Now....I'm not against the existence of Israel. I feel the best solution would be a "two-state" solution. There should be a Jewish, and an Arab state in the area. There should also be equality of religions in Jerusalem.

The whole area is a holy area for at least three major religions. It should be treated as such.

^ I think perhaps the possibility of any viable 'Arab state' being created has been severely reduced, or even rendered impossible, by the Israeli colonization of the West Bank through the widespread building of settlements. Any such state would be geographically fragmented and its boundaries would largely be drawn up by the Israelis and Americans.

Since Israel already effectively controls the whole of the West Bank, there is a case for saying that the latter should be annexed, and the inhabitants given citizenship and voting rights. A similar policy could be extended to Gaza. This is very much a 'One State Solution', and would no doubt present considerable difficulties for both Israeli and Palestinian hardliners, but could be workable in the long run if sufficient goodwill could be generated.

Alarmingly, I have seen it clearly implied by a good many supporters of Israel, both Jewish and non-Jewish, that any advocacy of a solution that is other than 'Two State' is essentially 'antisemitic'.

Religious jews can avoid military service, and people with disability. However, I didn't avoid it because of any of these reasons, I didn't serve by explaining my lack of desire to serve. I convinced certain people involved, and they let me avoid the service. It has nothing to do with my any autism related issue. I could have served if I'd insist on doing so. I am ashamed of absolutely nothing here.
In regards to the topic itself, it's just unfair to blame everyday citizens on politics related and war related topics.
I never said I am perfect or an angel, who have never harmed anybody. I just was speaking generally regarding constant hostility towards Israelis because of the poor Israeli government decisions, which as I already said, I don't control or influence.

I don't see anything wrong with Israel or Jewish people.

Not everyone thinks like you, even though I appreciate your statement. Do you realize how much hostility I had to deal with in certain places, and situations? It's not just to "ignore it" and move on, this is a very serious problem.
And that's only by being a normal Israeli person who simply grew up and lives here, just like Americans.
I don't know or can do more than any other average person.
Glad to hear atleast some people here understand!