Critics of Israel, including those activists in the Boycott, Disinvestment, and Sanctions movement, argue that the Jewish state practices apartheid. So-called Israel Apartheid Week is scheduled for April 8-11, overlapping with Israel’s April 9 national election and the run-up to the Passover celebration. Against that backdrop, it seems appropriate to point out that the small country is the only functioning, westernized democracy in the Middle East. Like the U.S., Israel has issues, not the least of which is its own Deep State seeking to undermine incumbent Prime Minister Netanyahu. Among other civil rights, it is also a country where people are free to practice any religion or no religion. A visitor walking down the street of any Israeli city will immediately realize that it is a diverse, multi-ethnic, multicultural country. These compelling images say it all about Israel apartheid. read more