Discovering the Real Israel




AJC On Air: David Harris show

Summary: July 19, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, stresses the importance of visiting Israel to understand all aspects of this dynamic, vibrant country. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: I’m just back from Israel. It wasn’t my first visit. But for some around me it was. And it’s always fascinating to see Israel through their eyes. Having never been before, they tend to imagine Israel as it’s too often portrayed in the media – as a political conflict in a rough-and-tumble area. How surprised newcomers are then to discover the real Israel. They learn that Lonely Planet named Tel Aviv the world’s third hippest city this year. They discover that Travel + Leisure just cited Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as the two best cities in the Middle East. They see a beautiful country full of life, history, and innovation. They witness a democratic nation with political parties galore, a spirited media, and a vibrant civic society. They encounter an amazingly diverse Israel of many faiths and ethnic backgrounds. And they feel, above all, the yearning for peace. Israel. The more you know, the more you understand. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC