This week’s slaughter in a Jerusalem synagogue has focused international media attention on the pain of those who suffer as a result of Palestinian violence. As I explained in my previous blog, there is alternative side to Israel, a society that rarely hits the news reports.

Last time out I concentrated on Israel’s economy, how it is improving the lives of billions globally. Here, I am venturing into local society. This is not to feature the photos of those Palestinians who handed out sweets after the murderous event. Nor is it a look at how Palestinians falsified import licenses, attempting to smuggle in weapons under the guise of Christmas decorations.

Item One: The massacre itself was stopped by a policeman from the Druze community, who later died of his wounds. At his funeral, attended by the president of Israel, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi could be seen shaking hands and commiserating with leaders of the Druze and other ethnic communities.

Item Two: Enter Tel Aviv and you will readily see that this pluralism is no one-off incident. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, it was recently voted the second most-sexiest city in the world. If you find your way to the tourist website, with it listing of pubs and clubs, you will readily understand why.

Item Three: In the same month, Tel Aviv picked up an award as the  ‘world’s smartest city’. The primary citation was the installation of free WiFi for all. Simply no restrictions.

Item Four: Jerusalem should not feel left out. It recently hosted a flash mob, just outside the gates of the Old City. What greater way to demonstrate freedom of expression. Next week, Slovak cycling star, Peter Segan, will be holding master classes around Jerusalem.

Item Five: Be it the Rolling Stones, who turned up this June, the Lord of the Dance troupe due next month, impending visits from OneRepublic, Backstreet Boys, James Blunt et al, Israel has a ready place on the stage for top performing international artists.

I could go on, but I want to bring in the impressions of two travelling Italian business men. They had half a day off during a hectic schedule this week in Israel. Their host told me how he had dropped them near the Old City of Jerusalem and let them stroll by themselves. To paraphrase their conclusions: “Wow, our press never reports just how beautiful and calm it is here in the Holy Land.”