Why does Isreal and the US have a special relationship

Because US decided, for whatever reason, that it will bring some benefits.

Because their total existence has been based on the annihilation and brutalizing of millions of innocents.  :(

Because they are a democracy and an ally in a very sensitive and critical region of the world, and because there is a significant American population that sympathizes with or shares background with their population.  And because it's the right thing to do!

shares background with their population.  And because it's the right thing to do!

What do you mean by this?

I meant of Jewish faith, which is going to typically imply some sense of identification with the only Jewish country.  And just in interest of full disclosure, although I am not a practicing religious person, I was born Jewish.

As far as the right thing to do -- well, one thing 9/11 taught me is that I understand Israel's viewpoint.  When a country is attacked or under constant threat, they have the right and the duty and the obligation to defend their population.

As far as why it's right for us to be an ally with a Democracy in the middle east, I think that goes to our statements that we support Democracies world-wide.  Just as it's the right thing that we are allied with the UK.  Our interests coincide.  Why would we/should we not be friendly?

Finally, consider the situation with Iran.  It's not in our best interests for Iran to be nuclear, no, not at all.  It's not in anyone's best interests, but Israel's even moreso urgently than ours.  I suspect there's a good chance the US will stand back, and let Israel "take care" of the problem, just as they have in the past.  And we may even jump on the condemnation bandwagon, which will be a shame, because they will be doing the best thing for our freedom and safety (in their own self-interest, of course) that we could ask have to have done.  Therefore, if they're going to carry water on distasteful actions like that, again, it's the right thing to do to at least back them as an ally.

However, take all of the above for what it's worth, because I freely admit I cannot separate my inherent bias from my viewpoint.  I like Israel. She's a plucky country, and I admire her strength and determination and dedication to protecting her population from the potential harm on all sides.

Arethere really 20,ooo,ooo jews in the usa

& how many are dual citizens

20,000,000