About the publisher: On the occasion of Israel’s 75th anniversary, The Times decided to publish Nicholas Goldberg’s negative column.

Israel’s positives far outweigh the negatives. It is a unique, vibrant democracy surrounded by hostile countries. The protests there are peaceful, the governments change again and again depending on the mood.

There is no country in the world that meets its enemies like this, gives up won land to defend itself and makes concessions. These attempts were repulsed with terrorist attacks. This reality resulted in an uncompromising, nationalistic, right-wing majority.

Israel is a small piece of land with fewer inhabitants than Los Angeles County. We must acknowledge the geographic and geopolitical realities and celebrate the fact that this small Jewish state with a diverse population has managed to survive and thrive against all odds.

Thomas Einstein, Santa Monica

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About the publisher: In his excellent op-ed, Goldberg clearly and forcefully lays out Israel’s central political problem in its historical context: What promised to be a haven for persecuted Jews and a bulwark of democracy in the Middle East has an enemy of its own aspirations.

His ruthless and provocative occupation of the West Bank turned into ruthless colonization. This is in stark contrast to the basic principles for its own citizens.

How sad and consistent that his administration has yet to take solid steps that would end the struggle by working towards a viable, independent state for the Palestinians. The continuation of the conflict makes the possibility of a good neighbor for Israel less and less likely.

Kathleen Trinity, Acton