"We have information that you don't want to know about," Trump says on reasons for boosting U.S. presence in region. "They were very threatening and we have to have great security for this country and many other places."

"Matkot is Israel," says Haim Dagan, owner of a workshop making paddles by hand. "In all the beaches you will hear the sound of the matkot, and if you are not careful you can also get hit by a ball."

No one questions Canada's right to exist nor Canadians' right to independence and security. Only Israel merits such questioning. And when the world questions our actions, we must question our actions as well.

In 1948, Israeli industrial exports totaled $18 million. In 2018, they surpassed $60 billion.

At age 71, despite its success, the Zionist enterprise is still in its infancy. The country is still waiting for new residents, new immigrants, new babies, and new challenges. Happy Independence Day!