I'd say that post #2, 3 and 4 accurately reflect the same type of view I have on this. I'm not that far if at all removed from knowing that there are likely the same posters who for whatever reason will never budge or give an inch on a view they likely have had their entire lives. FlyerTalk doesn't invent these beliefs for them, prior life experiences do. But it would certainly be hard to play a role in censuring this topic. We do on occasion as has been noted, invoke cooling off periods really for the sake of the members themselves -- we don't like to see them suspend themselves and try as we can to provide some sort of protected custody for the topic and the members involved. That approach seems to be appreciated by many. I actually don't think they "all get locked..." and that has been pointed out by another member who posted here. While it is clear that a handful of members continue to end up at the very same situation they left the last topic, let's not forget that there are a sizable number of members who do participate in these threads and do not have problems managing their opinions, beliefs and respect for others.

Your input is not neglected and I'll certainly add it to my knowledge of the feeling of our members over time on this issue, but at this time, i see no absolute wisdom in banning Israel threads.