We need a woman for the next president of the state not a man who did not want to sit on the same committee with women!

I think Rabbi Lau would make a great President. He has my vote!

If Rabbi Lau is an agreed candidate of all the parties, then he can unite the country and be a good president, but if he is only Olmert's candidate, then he himself won't want the job.

Rabbi Lau may be the best qualified candidate of all but however good, sincere and great a man he is, appointing a rabbi to the presidency of the State of Israel would inevitably be sending the wrong message to a world that already believes Israel to be a Jewish equivalent of ayatollah-run, fundamentalist Iran and not the modern, pluralist, largely non-observant democracy that it is. If Israel is to be seen as a state sharing most of the same problems as any other of the world's democracies - which, with the recent expansion of Islamic terrorism to Europe and the States, it does - Israel needs to look like one of these democracies. Which other democracy in the world has an Archbishop for president? (Historically, only Cyprus and Zimbabwe during national civil wars.... and a priest in Haiti of dubious political credentials.) International public opinion on Israel might be hypocritical to the point of nausea but beneath the "received wisdom" of conventionally tolerated anti-Israel bashing lies a lurking knowledge that life in Iran is not a pleasant thing under the ayatollahs. Israel cannot afford to shoot itself in the foot yet again in the arena of public relations. Rabbis have generally a good and likeable reputation and a respect amognst the goyim. Let us keep it that way and keep them out of politics...

Wow ! The first Jewish Pope for 2000 years

I like Rabbi Lau too much to see him ruin his spectacular career and reputation if he were to take this ceremonial position. Although the presidency would be a terrific platform for him to occassionally express his views and teach the masses Torah, he would not make a dent in changing the immoral, secular atmosphere we have in the State. He would, however, have to lower himself to congratulate Sabbath-desecrating soccer players and other godless sorts for their anti-Torah cultural achievements. Not something a rabbi should have to do. As a paid servant of the State he would never be completely free to express Torah positions were they to conflict with the common, secular mores. He would, willy-nilly, become a moral rubber-stamp for the government. In the current environment in this country, rabbis must remain outside of the political system in order to remain objective, honest and true to the Torah.

You referred to people who do not keep the Sabbath a "Godless." This was an appalling thing to say. Just because a person does not live according to the Torah does not mean that he or she has no sense of the divine. You need to rethink your values before making any further irrational statements.

BWHAaaaaaHaaaaa!!!!!!!! ((cleaning coffee from my keyboard)) I am VERY sure that ALL of the KadimaKrats & Labor Lollies are just having the bestest time what are. Abu Steiner & Secular Sabra and ALL of the other kiddies who are so anti-Jewish it is painful must be enjoying this. A secular and Jewish state living side by side in peace and it is the same state. Converging confusion consolidated. How dis-engaging.

Fine man, wrong job.

A democracy is based on the separation of the state from the religion!

A cornerstone of Judaism is observance of the Sabbath as a sacred day of rest. It is a Divine institution. This is fundamental to the Torah and Judaism. It was commanded by G-d. One who fails to observe the Sabbath denies the revelation at Sinai and the unique relationship between our G-d and the Jewish people. The Sabbath desecrator is, by definition, godless in that he/she refuses to accept the kingship of the Creator. Sensing that there is G-d and observing His commandments are two different things.

It is missing Soul in the actual govt. Hope they can work very well,side by side,seculars, religious and etc,all them for Israel! Note:I wish he is a very nice,intelligent and good Rabbi.

...of injustices going on betwen religious Israelis and not that religious. Hope he will bring much more ethics in this govt. and infuse more love for Israeli People on them.

...Israel is a Jewish State and a very peculiar and interesting Country that must explore all its infinitous aspects,and religiousness is one of the most fundamental of them,as long as ethics. We must unveil and develop our best,with love and harmony and comprehension towards each other.

Why would an anti-Jewish PM like Merlot want a rabbi as Prez? Might it be to kosher the next retreat/expulsion/pogrom? Don't tell me that Merlot has suddenly found G-d.