Reply #38: Communities [View All]

[Gimel]

The living in separate communities, as I have tried to show you, is not apartheid, but by choice on both sides. There are Arabs in all professions in Israel, medical and legal. They have equal rights in employment in government hospitals, in bus companies and equal business rights. What more do you want? I could be rushed to the hospital for an emergency and have an Arab doctor treat me, and I'd never know it was an Arab. I never think if a bus driver is Arab or Jew, but many are Arabs.

I recently took a lift from a driver who asked me directions. I asked volunteer to ride along and show the way. As it turned out, it was a car full of Arab youths (not Palestinians). They enjoyed the stereo and except for the language, could be confused with Americans, or Europeans. I think they are freer than Israeli Jews who are conscripted at the age of 18, almost 100%. At that age they are always wearing uniforms and carrying rifles.