Sad news- one of the architects of the modern state of Israel passed away today. He was an eloquent speaker, a well-educated scholar,and a staunch defender of his country. He ultimately came to the position that a lasting peace would come only with negotiation and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He was truly a great man.

How sad it is to reflect on the current Israeli leadership-- Sharon and Netenyahu represent the worst of Israeli society and do not even begin to compare to Abba Eban.

I have to reject the designation of Netanyahu representing the worst of Israeli society. Denigrating one statesman to laud another is a cheap shot. The Likud leadership of Israel is made up of genuine humans wrestling with some of the most tragic and deadliest issues to confront a western democracy in the modern era. Even if you, as I, do not believe that their way holds the answer, they are in there at least trying, which is more for just about any American with an opinion on the situation. I have lived in Israel, and I can assure the worst of Israeli society is far worse than Benyamin Netanyahu.