“Despite innumerable challenges, Israel has so far managed valiantly to maintain a delicate balance between fostering democracy while reserving the right to protect itself against its many enemies. Thanks to Israel’s democracy [novelist Ian] McEwan can come to Jerusalem to receive the Jerusalem Prize while at the same time demonstrating in Sheikh Jarrah or speaking out, should he so choose, against Israel’s domestic or foreign policies.

In contrast, Israel’s neighbors have a long road to travel before achieving even a rudimentary democracy, as the unfolding events in Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere are showing. Already in his short visit McEwan ended up on the receiving end of the region’s undemocratic sentiment. A group of Palestinian writers rebuffed his invitation to meet with them while he is here. McEwan had hoped to foster peaceful dialogue.”

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