I'm not religious, nor do I care much for religion. I'm an atheist that's interested in science and philosophy, not the ancient tales of the Bible. So why would I care about the survival of the Jewish people? Why is Israel important to me?

I was thinking about our little reddit community and realized that I, and I think many of you, are not the type of person you'd expect to be passionate about Israel. Many of us are not Jewish, religious, or even right-wing nationalists. This isn't your average patriotic or fanatical love for a nation. Therefore, I thought it was important to reflect on why Israel is so important to me. Why does the survival of this nation matter so much to me? Why do I care more about this country than any other? Why would I travel to Israel tomorrow if I had the chance? <br><br><br>Israel is one of the only countries in the world that shares my personal values, and is one of the few countries on earth that has successfully resisted the influence of Islam and associated terrorism. Although it's one of the most controversial countries in the world, it has one of the cleanest human rights and democracy records relative to every other nation in the region. And although it's always portrayed as an aggressor, it's the only country in the Middle East that has full legal equality for all its citizens, regardless of race or religion. <br><br>Israel is a shining example of what democracy and individual freedom should look like in the 21st century. A beacon of progress and science in a world of religious extremism, anti-Semitism, and authoritarianism. It's one of the only countries in the Middle East that isn't ruled by a dictator. It's the only country in the Middle East with a free press, where journalists aren't arrested and imprisoned for speaking their minds. It's the only country in the Middle East where people are truly free to practice their religion as they see fit. It's the only country in the Middle East where I wouldn't face punishment or death for being an atheist. <br><br>And despite all these things, the mainstream left continues to brand Israel as an oppressor and an aggressor, while ignoring the authoritarianism and human rights abuses of every other nation in the region. It's absolutely fucking ridiculous and hypocritical. <br><br>We need to continue to support Israel. Israel is a beacon of hope in a region and a world that desperately needs it. Israel is one of the greatest examples of what humanity can achieve with a combination of democracy, freedom, science, and progress. And Israel needs our support. Israel needs us to remember that they're on the same side as us. They're not our enemy. They're one of the best friends we have in this violent and crazy world.