This quote by Jack Schwartz is referring to the fact that Israel is the only nation in the Middle East that is a democracy. This means that Israel is the only nation in the region that has a government that is elected by its residents and is based upon the concepts of liberty and equality. This is in contrast to the other countries in the area, which are either authoritarian regimes or monarchies. Israel's democracy provides pride for its residents, and it is a beacon of wish for those in the area who are looking for liberty and justice. It is likewise a tip that democracy is possible in the Middle East, which it can be a force for great in the area.
