They quickly brought to mind our own national heritage of 18th century American freedom fighters. arrayed against what was then the mightiest power in the world. During the years following her independence. the State of Israel mirrored the same growing pains as our own young democracy. It had to cope with expanding internal political factions and the economic burdens of thousands of new immigrants. not to mention the constant harassment of surrounding states who would not accept her right to exist. Recently. the lively politics of Israel resembled America in another way. Popular demonstrations by Israelis against their Governments policy in Lebanon were reminiscent of the difficult and passionate days of street demonstrations by Americans against our Governments policies in Vietnam and the upheaval over Watergate. We were able to understand the force of the political shock that rocked Israel when its highest leaders were called to public account for their behavior in the wake of the Lebanese Christian massacres at Chatilla and Sabra. The Israeli people demanded and received from their Government the Kahan report. a full disclosure of the facts surrounding the refugee camp massacres. These comparisons are not enough. It is not just that the people of Israel share democratic values with us. but that no obstacle has been so great that they have failed to meet the challenge.
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