My interest in Israel probably has as much to do with my “Canadian” values and political news junkie habit as my ethnic heritage. As a staunch believer in the values of liberal democracy, I am utterly intrigued by the unique challenges that face Israel. How does a besieged nation surrounded by largely implacable foes avoid the temptation of adopting more autocratic trappings of a traditional security-obsessed state? How can it maintain civil rights for its citizens and avoid oppressing Palestinians amidst a decades-long terrorist insurgency?