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As to the difference with Israel, because it was born from the Russian and European persecution of Jews, which culminated in genocide I just
think you need to have a bit of cultural sensitivity. Coupled with that you rarely encounter other people who have the very right of their country to exist challenged as part of the criticism.
This is where the South Africa analogy realy falls down, and why Jewish people find it so offensive.
William.
It would depend on the situation. As a general rule, no, I wouldn't bang on about the faults of someone's country to them.
I'd engage in a sensitive discussion with them to gain some insight. I'd possibly challenge some points of disagreement, but I'd be polite.
Although my friends and I do rinse our Dutch and Aussy mates for being massive racists. Which now I think about it is probably a bit insensitive.
As to the difference with Israel, because it was born from the Russian and European persecution of Jews, which culminated in genocide I just
think you need to have a bit of cultural sensitivity. Coupled with that you rarely encounter other people who have the very right of their country to exist challenged as part of the criticism.
EDIT : So as not to bump and further derail the thread, and to clarify my last point in relation to Batt's post below. My point was the increasing persecution of Jews in Russia and Europe in the late c.19th was the catalyst for modern Zionism becoming discussed as a real option in that time. The increasing levels of violence in c.20th propelled it to a reality.
Of course there are numerous personal reasons of individuals emigrating, and the concept of a Jewish homeland is an ancient one. But I can't think of another state born so directly out of persecution (Haiti maybe?). That gives it a unique sensitivity in discussions most other countries don't have.