Why work so hard to alienate the Charedim who do not believe that the 10 commandments are all binding - the ones about not coveting that which is not yours and not stealing hardly fit in with their lifestyle of having their MKS extort money from the rest of us and arrange profligate support for their anti-zionist parties.

Glad to see you think that nothing has changed in the last 70 years - if you cannot tell the difference between our situation now and then then I have nothing but pity for you. I think you fantasy of alienating our Arab population is shear brilliance, instead of integrating them properly why not have them feel so alienated that in another 30 years they go to the UN asking for independence for the Gallilee - We have to decide whether we are going to live up to our declaration of independence or whether we want to become a rather revolting litle country that the world will turn its back on - which could be what our amazing right wing wants - just so that they can be proven right. As the story goes - two people discuss voting for a right wing party - one says to the other- I have half a mind to vote right wing - the other replies - that 's all you need.

Zionism is a racist colonialist 19th century ideology that belong to history

in the world... Boy are you ignorant/naive!

People have become so brainwashed they do not yet know the difference between Zionism and Judaism. Zionism is a political movement. It has very little to do with Judaism It's like a Jewish deli owned by the mafia.

...to make kids want to join the army!? Nothing to do with being independent, useful or happy! Excellent reason to get your kids out of there.

It is clear that the Zionist project has failed. This action on the part of the Education Ministry is clutching at straws, a desperate attempt to save a sinking ship

Jews are in diaspora and will forever remain there. Being an Israeli is different, it is modern and progressive. Teach the Israeli anthem, teach about the culture that brought to the establishment of the state. Teach why the Shoa will never happen again. As to the menora, teach that it is part of history, but no longer a significant symbol. The Israeli flag replaced the menora and explain why. Teach that serving the state of Israel is essential to its citizen. Serving in the military, paying taxes, voting in democratic elections, volunteering and doing philantropy are the positive values to instill. But make sure to explain that government is there to serve, both by law and in order to stimulate change for the benefit of country's citizens.

You live in Illinois right? Then stay there. You have a flag? Then Fly it. You have a deity? Then Worship it. The christians have Rome; muslims have mecca. You would take Israeli heritage from Israel? You're being ridiculous.

...penguin schools. You aren't even taught arithmetic and basic science. Seculars created Israel. You just live off it. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Ha If you think ''peace'' will ever happen, then sorry to burst your indoctrinated bubble, but it won't happen, ever. And if you don't like that the education ministry is finally teaching some important stuff about the Jewish heritage, then leave and go back to Europe, America or whatever kind of country you came from. Although I do think there needs to be more Jewish education then there is now, its a step forward in the right direction. And I also think the old bunch of ''zionists'' e.g Ben-Gurion, Jabotinsky, Herzl etc. should be exposed for what they really were. They hated the orthodox Jews, and wanted it to be an all-secular nation. Which if it will happen, will be the destruction of the Jewish state.

that has to be mandated ?shame on us . were have we lost all our proud zionism from . why do we act as if zionism is zero. it is hashems gift. they are removing all our proud nation building to be politically correct . and are doing damage beyond repair .

Jewish history is not separable from the history of Christianity and Islam. Both religions (in all their iterations) oppressed and persecuted Jews. Personally, if you despise the Israeli national anthem you should hightail it out of Israel for a country whose anthem you like. The State of Israel does not exist for your convenience and your views are, quite frankly, irrelevant.

is what we will get. We will also get the exact same percentage of kids growing up to be mishugeneh leftists and post-Zionists. Start with Dafne Leef and all the Israelis over at 972mag.com, they all had zionist indoctrination in their childhood. This is a jobs program for Ministry bureaucrats. Maybe they'll cleverly find a way to hold their seminar in Thailand. You know, "reinforcing Zionist awareness" amongst the beach-bum post-Army crowd. Hey. let's appoint a Deputy Minister to oversee THAT operation!

...with Gregg. Zionism is an outdated idea that belongs in the 19th century and would best be relegated to the ashcan of history along with imperialism, colonialism and capitalism. I am an Israeli and my religious beliefs are none of your business. This is the 21st century. We must move forward and free oursevles from the prison of history

And? Why is that a shocker? Many rabbis want an exclusively religious state. And, mind you, that will also be the doom of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. The democratic world will have no hesitation to blocakde the nation economically, its innovative edge will disappear, and the only countries that will have similar governmental systems (the Islamic ones) will hate it anyway. Lose-lose-lose position all the way.

(Zionist values in a Jewish homeland) is now becoming a major, dividing issue amongst JEWS??!!! What gives?

In 1913 a jewish film was produced about Palestine. Living merely 50 000 zionist jews then, the film shows what a spirit of zionism is. I shall never forget children's parades at school's feasts. There is a scene of Rehovot's Spartakiade 1913. Hearth breaking. Nothing new must be done, only to repeat this ! The film must be obligated to be shown in every israeli schools !

you cant just begin midway from the foundation of the State or the begining of the Zionist movement in late 19th century. There were various subgroups of jews before that era. The only common thread bringing allthese elements together is the Bible, the written one. Reform conservative orthodox all believe and emphasize the Torah and Tanakh. So that where it should all begin.

Your ignorance is showing. You cannot separate Am Israel from Medinat Israel. Must I remind you that Jacob was renamed Israel? And that he was the father of the twelve tribes, ergo the Jewish people? I wonder how much learning about Judaism and the State of Israel goes on in Iranian schools .... or the schools in any Arab or Moslem country. Moreover, I guess you never heard of the dhimmi tax. I guess you were not aware that Jews were not considered citizens of almost every European countries until Napoleon, and the grant of citizenship was revoked by most of the participants in the 1815 Congress of Vienna. In fact, Jews were not considered citizens of quite a few countries, right up until World War II. But if you feel like a "second class citizen" in the State of Israel, please feel free to pack your trash and leave at any time. We don't need people like you.

I hope Israel's 'symbols' include the Nerot shel Shabbat, Shofar, Arba Minim, Matzot, Kiddush Cup and Kos shel Eliyahu, Bikkurim, Mishloach Manot. The Jewish character of the State does not begin or end with Ben-Gurion and Hatikvah.

Miche, the world has already turned its back on us in favor of the arabs. Did you miss that one, too?

Zionist values.