Shalom, I am Professor Danny Ayalon, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Ask away!

What is your reaction when someone speaking to you accuses Israel of apartheid, ethnic cleansing, etc.? Does it phase you emotionally and what is your response?

Any accusation of Israel of any human rights violations saddens me, because there is nothing that is further from the truth. So, those accusations maybe motivated by political bias against Israel or by ignorance. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and our free press rule of law and self-criticism compared to other Western democracies. 1.5 Million of our citizens are not Jewish and they enjoy full rights and opportunities.

The 3.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza and Judea-Samaria are not Israeli citizens as these territories' sovereignty are yet to be determined through negotiations.

Unfortunately the Palestinian leaders have consistently refused to sign a peace treaty with Israel and become independent.

What about Israeli use of chemical weapons in the gaza strip. This dude is a pro Israeli propaganda machine, I doubt he will engage in honest discussion of the tough topics.

Israel has never used any chemical weapons. Any accusations to the contrary are baseless and serve as a political tool against us.

Why are you dodging all the tough questions? We would love to know how you justify occupation in Palestinian Territories?

Let's agree on the irrefutable facts: 1. Judean Samaria (aka the West Bank), is the cradle of Jewish civilization. 2. Until 1967, the West Bank was annexed by Jordan, and for "some reason," no Palestinian state was established. 3. Israel's possession of the West Bank came as a result of self defense in 1967. 4. Former PMs Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert, offered the Palestinians practically all of this land, to no avail. 5. Israel completely withdrew from Gaza, which did not bring peace, but a Hamas rule which terrorizes Israel. 6. If the Palestinian leadership would agree on a compromise which would include historic reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and security, there would have been peace long ago.

I welcome any and all questions, but can only type so fast.

How do you think the peace process in the Middle East is going so far? What do you think the next step should be? Do you think there will be lasting peace within the next 5, 10, or 20 years?

For Israel and the Jewish people, peace is not only a strategic choice, but a moral obligation. I hope that the United states will be able to bridge the huge gaps which exist between the parties, and bring about a secure, and durable peace. However, there also must be a plan B, so that in case there is no agreement on a final status of agreement, we should try to come to an intermediate agreement which both Israelis and Palestinians should benefit from. The leaders should not make it a zero-sum game, because both Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace and prosperity which can come only through peaceful coexistence.

What is the best Jewish delicatessen in the US?

Im not sure about delis, but try the schwarma at Golan Heights on Amsterdam and 187th in NYC!

Give me three good reasons why we shouldn't cut your aid, reasons beneficial to the US. Also give me three of your favorite dishes in Israel.

1a. 75% of the aid is spent in the United States, creating jobs here. 2a. This aid also helps America maintain its technological edge. 3a. A strong Israel is an American national interest.

1b. Humus 2b. Humus with Tehina 3b. Humus, Tehina and Falafel 4b. ??? 5b. Profit

How does one get a job as an ambassador?

First, you have to join the Diplomatic Core. There, the only prerequisites are an academic degree of any type - not necessarily in political science, and passing the Foreign Service Exams (which, include SAT type questions , general knowledge, and simulated scenarios).

Those are just the prerequisites. Then, if you serve long enough, most likely, one can become an ambassador starting in a small country and moving on to other countries.

On top of objective qualifications (language proficiency and general knowledge of the country), it helps to have a good sense of humor a thick skin for when your country is being unjustly attacked.

What was the single hardest thing you had to do as an ambassador?

Visiting Jonathan Pollard in jail.

What was it like working with those three incredible prime ministers?

Each of them is uniquely different than the other, however, all are proud Jews whom are committed to Israel's future and well being.