I spent a bit of time in Israel in 1991 at a dig in Ashkelon that was sponsored by Harvard University. It was some of the best 6 weeks of my life. We went everywhere in Israel besides the dig site that we were on.

What I saw was that Israel had turned a desert into their oasis - it felt very much like Southern California in many ways - the infrastructure was well developed and comfortable and we had no trouble getting around and getting what we wanted and the culture seemed very free. Everything very modern and not in the least third world.

I think the folks who live in Gaza are a bit envious of the Israeli inventiveness and discipline and work ethic. Ten miles away from Gaza there is a thriving economy and freedom and (relative) wealth. At it is not because of the land they are on. It is because of the people that work the land.

Hard to swallow, but the truth none the less.