Reply #115: I could be wrong about this too . . .

[msmcghee]

. . but it is my impression that some Israeli Arabs have assimilated totally into the dominant culture and think of themselves as Israelis, though not Jews.

You say they have no choice. Then why is it that they can disguise themselves so easily as Jews, even orthodox Jews, and use that disguise to walk onto buses and into discos with explosives strapped to their bodies.

It is my impression that they do have the choice to set themselves apart or not - but that many choose to remain visibly Palestinian in dress and manner as a statement of protest and solidarity with their cause - as I chose to wear my long hair and bell-bottom pants.

Again, I'd like to know if I'm off base on this from someone who actually lives there or has lived there - like Douglas Carpenter.