David Prior stated that "Israel needs to be ostracized like South Africa was in the 1980s" (The Aggrieved Party

Is ... - letter, March 6). Unlike apartheid-era South Africa, Israel is actually a leader regarding human rights in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in that region that allows freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of expression and many other freedoms we enjoy in Canada.

In Israel, all religions are treated equally; courts strictly enforce equality among all citizens - Arab and Jew alike; women are treated with respect and dignity, and it is the only Mideast country that has gay rights.