I love this place: it’s aged buildings, the electric energy of the city day and night, the sea water seemingly warmer than the air you escaped from. The buzzing of people from all corners of the earth gathered into one little place to create a boiling pot of intelligence, substance and honor. I like the fact the families you meet here have great national attachment, holding tight to their policies and politics. Even the little children seem to show allegiance to the government and also their Jewish heritage to some extent if not genetically inclined. The attention so many of our own children give to Big Macs, Nintendo games and soccer, these little ones seem to focus on their imminent service in the guard and the fact that whether they are girl or boy they will need to prove their commitment to furthering the good of their country and protecting their parents, grandparents and their own children’s future rights as Israeli citizens. No matter my own personal view on Palestine, the Arabs or the constant grappling for land and ownership, religion and rights…I have to give credit where it is due; to each of these families who so fundamentally swear on their country and their incredible loyalty to it’s purpose….to their history, dedication, belief system, their faith in the future and the ability to stand tall as an Israeli and have no one be prouder of their heritage than they seem to be…shining all the while….with chin up and pride beaming.