Translated from a Greek Magazine Article

In Israel I met during my doctoral studies. Metevika there as a criminologist to study the phenomenon of women suicide vomvistrion (female suicide bombers).The inquiry extremely sensitive, but it gave me the opportunity three years to meet the area's problems two peoples over half a century, still not able to find peace.

In contrast to what many believe Greeks for Israel (and even more without ever having visited the country), I would like to illustrate and the following aspects of the country is very interesting.

1. Israel is a participatory democracy and state single type.The citizens take an active part in civic life and to solve problems is everyone. There is very socially conscious and caring for the needs and addressing them. The kibbutz-in community of property types to varying degrees, is a good example.Also remember that I learned with surprise that one day may not be illegal to join anyone on a farm, but he wants to eat the fruits and leaves, enough to not get off him.This measure, which stems from the principles of the Bible, is an example of an effort to avoid any exathlionetai if nothing else it can cover the basic need of food.

2.After military service (which they do and women) are reservists men regularly employed and used to posts that have to do with their skills .. So for example, lawyers who met certain days a month serving as military judges.The reservists citizens continue to climb in the military hierarchy and even at the highest grades, which is not the monopoly of military officials.This system ensures democratic army and prevent the militarization as the fear of the modern states, since it allows to create watertight and sacrosanct in the military (making it almost impossible for such a military coup).

3.At the same time a religious minority to avoid looking and the eyes follow a woman and burdensome formalism, the state and society in Israel is very tolerant. Freedom to practice, sexual orientation etc.If you do not bother the person next to you (usually not bothered with anything), nothing is forbidden. Events for the legalization of marijuana, gay clubs and events (and participation and the army) is common.

4.Few know about the judicial system of the country which gives legal protection to citizens of Israel, but also to Palestinians affected.The Supreme Court of Israel puts brakes Often the implementation of measures and policies deemed to violate the human rights of Palestinians (thereby earning the title of "obstruction" by some for the effective protection and security of the country).It is worth mentioning the Landau Commission which led to the prohibition of inhuman treatment and torture in questioning terrorism suspects.This option is particularly useful when countries in the west every day without the fear of terrorist attack, a long time, unfortunately, have begun discussions about the legitimacy of torture as an investigative method.

5.Unlike other countries ... where ever prime ministers do not sit in the dock and Liability Act to ensure that ministers get away with high members of the political life that damages the state ... in Israel are persecuted and put prison ministers, former prime ministers, presidents ....

6.The country has excellent health system with well-equipped hospitals, where nurses and Palestinians on the ground that enter with special permission. Unfortunately there have been cases of exploitation of entry permit to organize an attack.In general, medical and research centers conducting cutting edge research to treat diseases and patients from many countries (and Greece) are fleeing to Israel to deal with very difficult circumstances.

7. Academic freedom is protected.When I completed my dissertation, the third describing circumstances surrounding the death and socialization to violence in Gaza and the West Bank because of armed conflict.I mentioned reports and complaints about the Palestinian plight, problems children face serious problems in the psyche and the emotional world of their experiences as victims of a hard war with brutal conditions. We never have accepted any role and no control over what I wrote.Indeed, the supervisor me (I was set and Israeli supervisor) commented on the relevant chapter in «suberb» ...

8. Israel is a state of war. Well protected and does not inhibit the rights and freedoms of citizens. Even when they contradict the official state policy.At the same time took place the last conflict in Lebanon who disagreed demonstrating freely in the streets, accusing the then government involvement.Israeli organizations, directors, artists, academics at times are highly critical of the choices the country in relation to Palestine and beyond. And all this without incurring a penalty.Israel is neither Turkey nor Iran, which have seen writers and directors to be jailed because they have other opinions and raise through their works.

The purpose of what I said is not to present Israel as perfect and overlooked mistakes and bad or inappropriate policies and measures. Simply:All Arabs are not terrorists, all activists are not terrorists, but all Israel is wrong. The Israeli-Arab conflict in general and the Israeli-Palestinians in particular is a complex issue with no room for black and white.The roots are deep and issues related to historical, religious, economic, political requiring much attention.

As for the deliberate use of violence against civilians, children and society, should be ordered by anyone to exercise, Israeli and Palestinian.Suicide bombings aimed at pizzerias, restaurants, school buses are tragic phenomenon and have nothing to do with the right resistance to the military. When we see children victimized by a rocket directly condemn it because we think our child is in place.It is not surprising because we identify with the image of our children to be blasted and pieces while laughing and playing carefree in the school bus. Why are not we shocked the 16-year old child of an immigrant from Russia who goes have fun at the beach klampaki and suddenly torn to pieces.Innocent people are innocent ... and the two sides.

In Israel I met people who want peace, determined to live with a neighbor in two countries.My friends, my acquaintances, people I've worked scientifically moderates are people who love their country but do not want no trouble, or extermination of Palestinians. React even disapprove of the suffering. Seek security and are ready for compromises.Resist the voices of a few fanatics (which yes, they exist). The bad news however is that the contents of those few voices and so weaken the voices of people who want to go ahead and join hands with the other side.For example, few and hardliners warn that any concessions are exploited on the other hand, do not ensure peace. They bring such attacks by Hamas from Gaza with rockets now.The argument is "neither a forum nor a retreat" finds ground and vindicated.

Here lies our responsibility as Greek and international community. We welcomed Israel never positive.In solidarity with the Palestinians, should have welcomed the departure from Gaza and condemn outright fanatical views of type "to annihilate the State of Israel, who just Polish and render impossible any dialogue and a possible solution.Moreover should we support the progressive forces in Palestinian society.Why is society does not deserve poverty, violence and poverty, nor the fans that if prevail in the future will bring to persecute women's rights, religious tolerance, diversity, choice of life away from the Islamist doctrines .Rights as progressives and liberals want the Greeks for our friends with the Palestinians their freedom ....