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I've always been supportive of the right of Israel as a state, and I've always fought against anti-Semitism, even in my own community.

I lived through many battles - the 1973, I was young; in 1982 with the Israeli invasions, and 2006 between Hezbollah and Israel. Before I emigrated to the States in '83, I had my own very black and white views of the Israelis and the Jews in general. But you start to understand that no matter what you think, there are two perspectives.

Political rivals attacked me. I was savagely beaten. I was kicked in the face and I lost my eye as a result.

As one who participated in all the wars of the state of Israel, I saw the horror of wars. I saw the fear of wars. I saw my best friends being killed in battles. I was seriously injured twice.

The Palestinian people choose how to fight against the occupation.

I fought in Korea, front line. I knew who the enemy were. The enemy were the people who were firing at me. And shooting at me.

Eventually, I moved from a place of anger toward the Jews of Israel toward a place of embrace.

I've always been interested in justice. I think what is happening to the Palestinians represents the ultimate injustice. I also hate bullies and the effect of them, the way people side with them out of fear. The Israelis are the schoolyard bullies, with England and the United States siding with them.

From the day I started to think politically and to develop my own moral values, from my earliest youth, I have been an ardent defender of Israel.