From experience, I think the difference is that if you grew up in Israel, you never had to fear antisemitism as a kid who couldn't defend him or herself. Being mocked and beaten up for being a Jew isn't something you had to fear, let alone experience.

That, and the experience of being a soldier, give you a more confident feeling that you can handle such things. Of course, if you ever find yourself cornered by a bunch of antisemitic thugs, you'll quickly find out how effective those experiences are at helping you survive.