Israel speaks of the 'national economy' does it exclude figures from the 18% Arab Israeli population? "Seeing as being Jewish seems to be a defining trait could this definition [of nation] be extended to Jews not just living in Israel?" If it did then when Israel mentions the 'national economy', by your presumption and hypothesis, it would exclude figures from the 18% Arab Israeli population but include figures from Jews living elsewhere in the world. You say you're 'talking about' it -- when in actual fact you seem to be avoiding talking about it at all. So, as you're so reluctant to state it yourself (which is odd as the word seems to get you so hot under the collar), let me propose to you what your position seems to be, on the definition of the word 'nation': Richard, you've also avoided commenting on the other topics you raised: &gt; Israeli atrocities past and present, (horrible what people can do to their own -- and for money too -- isn't it?) &gt; Israel is more trustworthy than Iran, (how many yards of fabric came out of that 'Textile Factory' in Dimona), &gt; Why Israel winds people up (and therefore 'deserves to be nuked' -- your words, not mine), &gt; Why Israel is, of course, the most peaceful of nations. And to top it off (in response to your question re. Arafat's birthplace): Wikipedia -- really? Thanks for helping to bring the inconsistencies in Bernie's blog entry to a wider audience