In response to Stuart Levin's May 7 Point of View "Looking anew at Israel's future," I feel a need to honor the 22,437 men and women who gave their lives for Israel.

I believe the way for us to honor these fallen soldiers is to make the Jewish homeland even stronger for the next 60 years and ultimately forever.

I was born and raised in Raleigh. This past year I came to study at an Israeli university. I recently went to Sderot with 80 of my classmates. It has changed since Levin visited it over 25 years ago. While we were there, a mortar shell fell 100 yards from where we were standing. We are not soldiers or politicians -- we were a group of students!

Who is responsible for these terrorist attacks? Hamas!

Tonight I celebrate the 60th year of the state of Israel. I am going to rejoice in a vibrant Jewish country that Jews have prayed for -- and died for -- over centuries.

Although it is in everyone's interest for peace to be achieved, it is not a matter for negotiation when your neighbors openly and actively call for your annihilation.

Daniel Rosenberg

Herzilya, Israel

Raleigh