This is the second part of a long, interesting article of a Pakistani- Canadian that fell in love with Israel. In case you missed it, you can read the first part here:

Raheel Raza: I'm a Muslim and I love Israel. Here's why!

During the years I traveled to Israel I learned something new each time:

• Hate is a terrible ideology and it feeds antisemitism, which is rampant in some parts of the Muslim world. Much of this is based on ignorance of facts and misinterpretation of the faith. While in Israel I had many opportunities to speak about the similarities between Judaism and Islam — something that is denied and sidelined by many Muslims.

• You have to be there to speak with people and meet them face-to-face to fully understand the diversity that exists in Israel.

• I was amazed at how critical many young Israelis are of their own government policies.

• I learned that before any conflict can be resolved, both parties have to be sincere and the right of Israel to exist must be acknowledged — only then can a dialogue of equals happen.

• Sadly, having spoken to Palestinian youth, I came to understand that most Palestinians have been so brainwashed by their leaders that they don’t want peace — they want the whole piece.

We have supported Israel consistently, although friendship with the Jewish state comes at a cost. Upon writing an article in support of a friend and her children who were assaulted by an anti-Israel mob in Toronto, I was told by a Pakistani lady from a Sufi mosque “you are not one of us.”

The love and respect I have for Israel and the Jewish community is not one-sided. My mother-in-law, while traveling, was once stuck in U.K. with a medical emergency. It was a terrible time for me and my husband but we got hope in the first call from Israel saying they had great medical facilities and we should take her there. As well, since I was diagnosed with CKD (chronic kidney disease) a year ago, I have had more support from my Israeli friends than anyone else.

Now, with the advent of the Abraham Accords, I pray for peace and have great hopes of seeing more Muslim nations recognizing the Jewish state’s right to exist and more Muslims visiting the remarkable country that is Israel, with an open mind.

Special to National Post - Raheel Raza is on the board of directors for The Council of Muslims Against Antisemitism (CMAA).