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Let's be honest: discrimination against Arabs exists in Israel.

People are feeling and sensing a return of anti-Semitism - even in Europe, which, seventy years after the Holocaust, is a very scary thing. I think they are feeling that Israel is very isolated and doesn't always get what they see as fair treatment in the European media.

Although my stance on responsible citizenship made sense to many Israelis, the intelligentsia could not, as you say in English, get their heads around it. 'Racist' and 'fascist' were the knee-jerk reactions.

I am often critical of Israel's policies when in the country, but then feel defensive of them when overseas.

There are many Israelis who live abroad and love the country.

For the Arabs in Israel there is always a tension between nationality and identity.

There is no question that Israelis - indeed, all concerned Jews - have to continue to work out a Jewish public philosophy that truly justifies a Jewish state in the land of Israel.

I can certainly put myself in Israel's shoes. They are humans just like we are. They want peace and security inside their borders.

If Jews don't come to Nazareth, Arabs don't go to Afula. There is fear on both sides.

The Israeli public is frustrated with the way it is portrayed abroad.