Consider the "new" debate that takes place within academia and some circles of the "Left" about Israel's right to exist, as she celebrates her 59th birthday today. If Israel were a person, that would be like her parents are still debating whether they should have aborted the baby, or used better birth control.

Anyway, happy birthday, Israel, my poor, beleaguered, persecuted, brilliant and beautiful Israel. May you live to see many many happy returns of this day.

Here's Hatikva, sung by the punk who will represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, next week. It's a nice illustration of authentic Israel voices, the kind noone but Israelis and a handful of upbeat Jews are interested in.