It was a year ago this week that I wrote the bellow essay. At the time it was my intention to gain understanding of current conflict by drawing parallels with past and present events. In light of subsequent developments over the past year, especially in Lebanon, I find it all the more relevant. Looking over what I once again feel frustration with the limitations I faced in presenting it as a "scholarly paper." As such its content was clearly sanitized by total objectivity. I intend to amplify my opinions later.

Because great portions of this essay are devoted to discussions of policy of the state of Israel, among other provocative issues, I do acknowledge the dangers of fierce attacks I face from those that shall misinterpret my views. In the toxic state of political discourse (or what passes for it) today profane invective has supplanted constructive criticism. Know that I do not fear the brainless threats of the seemingly indefatigable crowd of right-wing thugs on this web. My one fear is of those that might take it upon themselves to impugn my character by questioning my faith as a Jew. As I have found myself increasingly taking a position of criticism of Israeli policy today, I grapple with how to define my Jewish identity; a problem that is being faced my hundreds of fellow young Jews in America (and in Israel) today. Our community is polarized. Inasmuch I feel bitter in that this polarized atmosphere forces me to so adamantly declare my religious loyalty. I am a Jew. My father is a Jew and I and no other Jew should be forced to declare anything about his loyalty.