The story of the four young men sounds like The Onion.

Is this a new thing you are going to do? Use disparate, non-parallel and unrelated events, to make whatever point or statement you are rousing in your flop mind?

@2. I think the thing that needs to be said is that while antisemitism is on the rise, which can be attributed to the actions of the Israeli government, so is racism in general in Israel. Dont point the finger at others, until you look in the mirror.

Also its difficult to claim the tittle of Democracy when you have two judicial systems. One military, used mostly for West Bank Palestinians, be it a misdemeanor or murder, complete with limited rights and procedures. And a civilian court for Israelis. Guess which one hands down harsher punishments? These 4 are going to get a slap on the wrist, pay a fine and go home.

Good Morning Charles,
This first story is most charming and of course to be expected from civilized humans. I share much with these young men. I, too have walked into a seemingly unattended store or kiosk and left money for an item (a newspaper, for example) that I purchased. To be sure, it is rare. But, it happens. I have also come across a wallet (2X) and returned it to its rightful owner. They were most grateful.

Maybe this is normal? Maybe not? Dunno. Yes, I get that there might be a perception difference from the POV of the viewer. Still, all I know is that these guys seem pretty normal to me. Good on them. Love the way one of them flash the money in front of the camera before placing it on the counter.

@3, the US has two judicial systems also.

@3 putting aside your erroneous claim that Israeli government action is driving a rise in anti-Jewish racism for a moment, you assume that the four attackers are Israeli citizens or even Jewish. No news report I've read of the incident clarify the identity of the attackers beyond them being residents of south Tel Aviv. Not everyone is Tel Aviv is Jewish and south Tel Aviv is very mixed with a good portion of the Jewish population there being poor or elderly. In addition there have been numerous assaults, robberies on and rapes of Israeli citizens by the migrants. There was even an attack on a Knesset (Parliament) member by a migrant.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,…

My point being that this is a high-crime area and that classifying one particular group as being the "victim" is facile and disingenuous.

Even if the attackers are Jewish, they were arrested and are pending trial as criminals should be. Like every other country in the world, Israel has it's problems with some racist attitudes and behavior exhibited in some sectors of society but no more than I see in Seattle every day. So, ask yourself why the writer felt this incident warranted mentioning.

Meanwhile in Spokane...
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2…