As I contemplate the significance of the exodus from Egypt, receiving the Torah and the responsibilities that go along with it, and the ultimate destination of the land of Israel, I am thankful for all the freedoms I have been blessed with in my lifetime.

I am fortunate to have been born in the United States, to be a citizen of the leading democracy in the West,

I am now fortunate to live in Israel, to be a citizen of the only democracy in the Middle East.

With both of my citizenships, I have enjoyed the freedom to vote in open elections, the freedom of speaking my mind, the freedom of writing and publishing my thoughts, the freedom of worshiping the religion of my choice.

Because most people are aware of the freedoms and rights granted to those living in the United States, everyone wants U.S. citizenship, or even just the opportunity to live in the United States.

Equality for All

And Jewish souls from all over the world yearn to come “home” to Israel.

At the end of every Passover Seder, we all say, “Next year in Jerusalem!”

Yet, how many people really know the rights and freedoms of living in Israel?

Too many people only receive untrue, biased media accounts of life here.

I want to set the record straight.

All citizens of Israel, whether they be Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs, Christians, Muslims, Bedouins, Druze, Baha'i, or whatever religious, ethnic or other affiliation, have equal rights in Israel.

Only under Israeli control of Jerusalem have members of all faiths had the freedom of access to all holy sites in Jerusalem.

Listen to His Assertion

Whether someone is a Muslim or a woman or another perceived minority, not only can they vote as they please, but they can hold office as well. With all the political parties here, it is a wonder that anything can get accomplished.

A Muslim Deputy Consul General of Israel recently stated that Israel's minorities fare better in Israel than in any other country in the Middle East with education opportunities, economic development, women's rights, freedom of speech and assembly and legislative representation.

This was expressed by a Muslim holding high office in Israel.

In fact, the Israeli Supreme Court and Knesset (Israeli legislature) include Arabs and women. Yet, more than likely you only have heard of how Israel is an apartheid state. It is Israel's non-democratic Arab nation neighbors that are truly apartheid states. There, women and non-Islamics have limited or no rights.

One of the most wonderful freedoms I cherish here in Israel is the freedom to walk alone on Israeli streets at any time of day or night and not be afraid of rape or molestation.

(I only have to worry about Palestinian rocket fire and terror.)

Where else in the world can a woman feel such freedom from violent crimes against women?

However, an example of the media being biased against Israel is their spin on the lack of perversity here.

I recently read an article complaining about Israeli soldiers not raping Muslim women. The soldiers were accused of being racists because they were not rapists!!!

The absurdity of it all.

L'hitraot, Shachar

Shachar is the Hebrew name of a California-based attorney and former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy who moved to Israel last year.