Apparently, the media's (in Europe) perception of Israel has changed quite a lot since its creation.
Very early, Europe and the western world was enamoured to Israel. I remember very well how excited we were at school when we heard about the 1967 war stories: one small state, alone against all the Arab "vilains" around it. Then, 10 years later, the chief of its neighboring enemy, Sadate, landed in Israel and peace was established between Egypt and the Jewish state. 2 years later, I traveled in Israel, met the whole world, lots of good looking girls, lots of translation opportunities...
The more powerful Israel became, the less supportive the European media turned. In 1993, there was a huge hope (actually, there are still contacts between the Israeli and the Palestinian lefts, so all hope has not vanished..that is..if both accept a 2 states idea ).
I guess, we Europeans (with a catholic tradition) are leaning towards the weakest of both sides, the Palestinians, because they are powerless, without efficient authority, desperate and without future.
Apperently, if after WWII, Israel was directly created out of guilt because of the Shoah and for a religious motive, it isn't how the Israelis want to be perceived anymore: they aspire towards an Israel just like any other country. Historian Pierre Vidal-Naquet (Marianne, dec.3 2001 p62) writes: "Today, God was replaced by the state of Israel. But I'd rather prefere God. There's got to be a choice: either Israel is a state like the others or it accepts the consequences of the specificities it claims".
In Belgium , there are 2 communities living at peace ; true, they are not religious-minded and therefore it's easier ; but they are culture-minded and there are many differences.
But we had a christian upbringing, even without believing in it. Luckily, "someone" said: "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's" and we are now in democracies with separation of powers.
Turkey, also, being Muslim, is a Parliamentary democracy with separation of powers, but so far, is an exception (with plenty of human-rights problems).
All we need now is an Israel with jews and muslims living peacefully in one state, each community with equal rights. It will have to happen..sooner or later.

Raoul