Why a "Jewish" State?

I have just posted items by Khalid Amayreh, a Palestinian, and Uri Avnery, an Israeli, suggesting that the demand that Palestinians recognize Israel as a "Jewish State" is a dodge to avoid real peace-making at Annapolis:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Israel_Palestine

This looks to me to be a dangerous suggestion in another way. All states make mistakes, particularly with security, conflict, and war situations. To identify Israel as a "Jewish" state carries with it the hazard of identifying Jews generally with any errors or atrocities committed by Israel? I certainly would not want the U.S. to be so identified with any specific religion -- such identifications are anachronistic, dating back to the ancient world when nations were led to war by their g-ds. I hope that wiser heads such as Avneri's will prevail in this matter.

There is enough free floating anti-Semitism in the world without encouraging more of it!
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"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
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Ed Kent 212-665-8535 (voice mail only) [blind copies]
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